This recipe provides instructions for making a Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole, a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, broccoli florets, a creamy sauce, and melted cheese, all baked together in a casserole dish. It’s a popular family meal that’s easy to prepare and can be customized with additional vegetables or different types of cheese. The casserole offers a satisfying blend of protein, vegetables, and a rich, cheesy sauce, making it a complete and flavorful dish. The image shows a rectangular baking dish filled with a golden-brown and bubbly casserole. Visible within the casserole are pieces of cooked chicken, bright green broccoli florets, and what appear to be other diced vegetables, possibly red bell peppers. The entire dish is covered in a creamy, melted cheese topping that has browned in spots, indicating it has been baked until hot and bubbly.
Based on common recipes for cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole, the ingredients likely include:
- Chicken: Cooked and shredded or diced chicken (leftover rotisserie chicken is a convenient option).
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets. If using fresh, they are often lightly steamed or blanched before being added to the casserole.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides a creamy base for the sauce and adds flavor. Some recipes use a homemade cream sauce instead.
- Milk or Chicken Broth: Used to thin the soup and create a smoother sauce.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a common choice, but other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend can also be used.
- Onion (Optional): Diced and sautéed, adds savory flavor.
- Garlic (Optional): Minced, adds aromatic flavor.
- Red Bell Pepper (Optional): Diced, adds color and a slightly sweet flavor.
- Butter or Oil (Optional): For sautéing vegetables.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and possibly other herbs or spices like garlic powder or paprika.
- Topping (Optional): Breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or additional cheese for a crispy or extra cheesy top.
The preparation involves preheating the oven and greasing a casserole dish. If using fresh broccoli, it’s often lightly steamed or blanched. If adding onions or bell peppers, they are usually sautéed until softened. In a large bowl, the cooked chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk or broth, and any sautéed vegetables are combined. Half of the shredded cheese is typically mixed into the casserole, and the remaining cheese is sprinkled over the top. If using a breadcrumb or cracker topping, it would be added at this stage as well. The casserole is then baked in the preheated oven until it is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is best served hot, allowing the creamy sauce and melted cheese to be at their most comforting.
The texture features tender chicken and broccoli in a creamy sauce, topped with melted and often slightly browned cheese. If a breadcrumb topping is used, it adds a pleasant crunch.
The flavor is savory and cheesy, with the mild taste of chicken and broccoli enhanced by the creamy soup base and the melted cheese. Optional vegetables and seasonings add layers of flavor.
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a baked dish containing cooked chicken, broccoli, a creamy sauce (often based on cream of chicken soup), and melted cheese.
The preparation involves combining cooked chicken, broccoli, sauce ingredients, and some cheese, placing the mixture in a casserole dish, topping with remaining cheese (and optional topping), and baking until hot and bubbly.
Ingredients ( अनुमानित based on common recipes):
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh, lightly steamed, or frozen, thawed)
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk or chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese), divided
- ½ cup diced onion (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (optional, for sautéing vegetables)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional topping: ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet (if sautéing vegetables)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Prepare Vegetables (Optional): If using onion and garlic, melt butter or heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat. If using red bell pepper, you can add it to the skillet with the onion or add it directly to the casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, cream of chicken soup, milk or chicken broth, and any sautéed vegetables (onion, garlic, bell pepper). Stir in half of the shredded cheese (about ¾ cup). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Add Topping (Optional): If using a breadcrumb or crushed cracker topping, sprinkle it evenly over the casserole.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese (about ¾ cup) evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot as a main dish.
Enjoy this comforting Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole!