Hey y’all! Jordan Bell here, coming to you from Asheville, NC. You know, it wasn’t that long ago I was struggling to find meals that were both delicious and good for me. After shedding 80 pounds, I realized that Southern comfort food, my absolute favorite, didn’t have to be heavy to be satisfying. That’s how my blog, Easy Detox Recipes, was born – to show everyone that you can make those classic, heartwarming dishes clean and healthy. This Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a perfect example. It’s got all that creamy, cheesy goodness you crave, but made with ingredients that make you feel good from the inside out. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel special, and honestly, it reminds me so much of the meals my grandmother used to make, just with a healthier twist!
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Seriously, this casserole is a winner for so many reasons! It’s the ultimate weeknight hero because it’s:
- Super Easy: Most of the work is just mixing things together!
- So Comforting: That creamy, cheesy goodness is like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters gobble this one up.
- Made Clean: We’re using good-for-you ingredients that still taste amazing.
- Packed with Flavor: Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and that dreamy cheese sauce are a match made in heaven.
A Taste of Southern Comfort, Made Clean
Growing up in the South, comfort food wasn’t just about what you ate; it was about the love and tradition behind it. My mission with Easy Detox Recipes is to keep that soul-warming feeling alive, but in a way that nourishes your body. This Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a perfect example. It takes those classic, hearty flavors we all adore – creamy, cheesy, and totally satisfying – and strips away the heavy stuff. We’re using simple, wholesome ingredients to create a dish that tastes just like home, but leaves you feeling light and energized. It’s proof that you don’t have to sacrifice tradition for health!
Ingredients for Your Delicious Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Alright, let’s get our ingredients ready for this amazing Broccoli Chicken Casserole! This dish comes together so easily, especially if you have your chicken cooked and broccoli prepped. You’ll need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded or cubed
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed or blanched until crisp-tender
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For the optional topping:
- 1 cup butter crackers, crushed (like Ritz!)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Having everything prepped makes the whole process a breeze. Trust me, the time you spend getting the broccoli just right and the chicken cooked is totally worth it!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
I always go for sharp cheddar cheese here because its bold flavor really cuts through the creaminess and makes the casserole sing. You could use medium cheddar, but I find sharp gives it that extra punch! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can totally swap out the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use full-fat coconut milk or a good quality unsweetened oat milk instead of heavy cream. Just stir them in slowly to make sure the sauce stays smooth. For the crackers, any buttery cracker works, but Ritz are my go-to for that classic flavor and perfect crunch. And of course, using real butter makes all the difference; it just tastes better!
How to Prepare Your Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Alright, let’s get this delicious Broccoli Chicken Casserole in the oven! It’s really a straightforward process, and before you know it, you’ll have a bubbling, golden dish ready to enjoy. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be golden!
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
First things first, let’s get our oven ready. Go ahead and preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick grease. This just helps make sure nothing sticks when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Combine Chicken and Broccoli
Now, if your chicken and broccoli aren’t already cooked and prepped, this is the time to do it! Once they’re ready, simply toss your cooked, shredded or cubed chicken and your steamed or blanched broccoli florets into a big bowl. Easy peasy!
Step 3: Crafting the Creamy Cheese Sauce
This is where all that creamy goodness comes from! Grab a saucepan and melt those 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, toss in your softened cream cheese. Stir it around until it’s completely melted and smooth. Then, slowly whisk in the heavy cream until everything is nice and smooth. Now, let’s add our seasonings: the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it all up! Reduce the heat to low and add in 1 cup of your shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cheese is all melted into a beautiful, smooth sauce. Now, this is important: don’t let it boil! Just keep it on low until it’s perfectly melted and creamy.
Step 4: Assembling and Topping Your Casserole
Okay, time to bring it all together! Pour that gorgeous cheese sauce right over the chicken and broccoli in your bowl. Gently stir it all around so everything is coated beautifully. Then, spoon this mixture into that greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. If you’re going for that extra crunch (and I totally recommend it!), mix your crushed butter crackers with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a little bowl. Sprinkle this buttery cracker goodness right over the cheese layer. It’s going to get so golden and delicious!
Tips for Success with Broccoli Chicken Casserole
You know, making this Broccoli Chicken Casserole is pretty forgiving, but a few little tricks can really make it shine. Getting the broccoli *just* right is key – you want it tender, but not mushy. A quick steam or blanch until it’s bright green and still has a little bite is perfect. For that super smooth, dreamy cheese sauce, make sure your cream cheese is truly softened, and stir it into the butter until it’s fully melted before adding the cream. Also, don’t let that sauce boil once the cheese is in; it can get a little grainy if you do. And for that gorgeous golden-brown top, keep an eye on it in the last few minutes of baking!
Achieving the Perfect Texture
The secret to great texture in this casserole really comes down to two things: the broccoli and the sauce. For the broccoli, aim for “crisp-tender” – it should have a slight bite, not be mushy. Steaming it for just a few minutes usually does the trick! For the sauce, make sure your cream cheese is nice and soft before you start. Melt it completely with the butter, then whisk in the cream. When you add the cheese, keep the heat low and stir constantly. This prevents it from getting lumpy or oily and keeps it beautifully smooth and creamy.
The Importance of Resting
This is one of those little steps that makes a HUGE difference, trust me! Letting your Broccoli Chicken Casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven is crucial. It might be tempting to dig right in, but this resting period allows the sauce to thicken up just a bit more. This means when you cut into it, everything holds together beautifully, and you get those nice, clean servings instead of a soupy mess. It really helps the flavors meld together too!
Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Got a question about this yummy Broccoli Chicken Casserole? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common things folks ask:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can totally assemble the casserole (up to the baking step) a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit out on the counter for about 30 minutes to take the chill off before popping it into the preheated oven. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use different kinds of cheese?
You sure can! While sharp cheddar is my favorite for its flavor, a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack is also fantastic. Some people even like a bit of Gruyere for a nutty twist. Just make sure you’re using cheese that melts well!
What can I serve with this casserole?
This Broccoli Chicken Casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but it’s also fantastic served over fluffy rice, quinoa, or even with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad also makes a nice fresh contrast! For more comforting meal ideas, check out these dinner recipes.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it completely and then squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the casserole. You don’t want extra water making your casserole watery. It’s still best to steam it a little bit so it’s not completely mushy.
Nutritional Information
Now, I always like to give you a heads-up on what you’re putting into your body. This Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a hearty meal, and these numbers are just an estimate, of course, since every batch can be just a little bit different depending on exactly what you use. But this should give you a good idea!
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 550 |
| Fat | 40g |
| Saturated Fat | 25g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 15g |
| Trans Fat | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Sodium | 700mg |
| Cholesterol | 150mg |
| Sugar | 4g |
Storing and Reheating Your Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Leftovers of this amazing Broccoli Chicken Casserole are almost as good as the first time around! Once it’s cooled down a bit, which should be within about two hours of coming out of the oven, get it tucked away in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep nicely for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you have a couple of great options. You can pop individual portions or the whole dish back into a 350°F (175°C) oven until it’s heated through – usually about 15-20 minutes for smaller portions, maybe a bit longer for a larger amount. Or, for a quicker fix, just microwave it until it’s nice and hot all the way through. Easy peasy!
| Storage | Reheating Method | Time/Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerate within 2 hours | Oven or Microwave | 350°F (175°C) or Microwave until hot |
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Delicious Broccoli Chicken Casserole: 5 Amazing Steps
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a comforting and easy dish perfect for a weeknight meal. It combines tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. An optional cracker topping adds a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded or cubed
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- For the topping (optional):
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers, such as Ritz
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- If your chicken and broccoli are not already cooked, steam or blanch the broccoli until crisp-tender and cook the chicken, then shred or cube it.
- In a large bowl, combine the prepared chicken and broccoli.
- To create the sauce, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until it has melted completely.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese is melted into a smooth sauce. Do not allow it to boil.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and broccoli, stirring gently to combine everything.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- If using the optional topping, mix the crushed crackers with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps it to set. Serve warm, on its own or with rice.
Notes
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it set, making it easier to serve.
- Serve on its own or with rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
