Broccoli chicken casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for meal prep. This recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce, all topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Here is how you can make it easily at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
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In a large pot of salted boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes, or until they are bright green and just tender. Drain the broccoli and set aside.
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In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
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Gradually whisk in the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened.
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Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until they have melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Add the cooked chicken and blanched broccoli to the cheese sauce and stir well to combine.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
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In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and mix well.
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Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
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Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- You can use any type of cooked chicken for this recipe, such as roasted, grilled, or poached. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers instead.
- You can add other vegetables to the casserole, such as sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers.
- To make this dish healthier, you can use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.
- This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Broccoli chicken casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that is easy to make at home. With its combination of tender chicken, flavorful broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce, it is sure to become a family favorite. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy this tasty and comforting dish!
