Creamy Chicken Broccoli Bliss Bake

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself craving a dish that's both comforting and kinda healthy? This chicken broccoli casserole is your answer. It's creamy, cheesy, and packed with good stuff.

Honestly, who can resist a good casserole?

Brief Overview

This Chicken Broccoli Bliss Bake is a modern take on the old school casserole. It comes from classic American comfort food casserole traditions.

It's easy peasy, takes under an hour, and serves six hungry people.

Main Benefits

The best thing about this broccoli cheese casserole chicken recipe? It sneaks in veggies. Plus, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck.

It's a chicken casserole recipe easy enough for anyone to make.

Ready to dive in? Let's talk ingredients for this cheesy chicken broccoli casserole .

Get Ready for Creamy, Cheesy Goodness

Time to gather your troops. This recipe calls for simple ingredients that come together like a symphony. Think tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a whole lotta cheese.

The Star Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to whip up this creamy chicken casserole .

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded. Rotisserie rotisserie chicken casserole recipes is perfect.
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets. Or frozen, thawed and drained if you are in a rush!
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• Lots of dairy butter and whole milk
• A cup of Cheddar cheese

This isn’t just your average chicken and broccoli dish!

Easy Steps for Casserole Perfection

Now, let's break down how to make this magic happen. Seriously, it's easier than ordering takeout.

First, you'll sauté the onion and broccoli until they're tender crisp. Then, make a creamy cheese sauce. Mix everything together. Pop it in the oven until golden brown and bubbly.

The kitchen will smell amazing.

I always remember the first time I made this. My little brother, who hates broccoli, devoured it. That's when I knew this recipe was a keeper.

Pro Tips for Casserole Success

Want to take this broccoli casserole to the next level? Here are a few tips. Don't overcook the broccoli. Use room temperature cheese for a smooth sauce.

Toast the topping lightly. I use Ritz crackers for my topping. Enjoy your chicken broccoli casserole It's the ultimate comfort food casserole .

Let's Get Cooking: Chicken Broccoli Casserole Essentials

This chicken broccoli casserole is proper lush. Honestly, it's the kinda comfort food casserole that just warms you right up.

My nan used to make something similar, but this is way easier. Trust me. Let's dive into what you'll need.

Main Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Okay, so for the chicken and broccoli , here's the lowdown:

• Cooked, shredded chicken: 2 cups (that's about 450g ). A leftover rotisserie chicken is absolutely ideal for rotisserie chicken casserole recipes .
• Fresh broccoli florets: 2 cups (about 225g ). If you only have frozen, just thaw and drain them first.
• Chopped yellow onion: 1 medium (around 1 cup or 150g ).
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ).
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5ml ).
• Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml ).
• Garlic powder: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml ).

For the cheesy goodness of this creamy chicken casserole , you need:

• Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons ( 57g ).
• All-purpose flour: 4 tablespoons ( 30g ).
• Whole milk: 2 cups ( 475ml ), warmed just a bit . Honestly, warming it stops the sauce getting lumpy.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5ml ).
• Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml ).
• Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml ). Freshly grated is best if you've got it.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup (about 115g ). A sharp cheddar gives it a good kick.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (about 57g ).

And for that irresistible crunch?

• Crushed buttery crackers: 1 cup (like Ritz, about 25 crackers ).
• Melted unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons ( 28g ).

Seasoning Notes: Adding That Je ne sais quoi

Garlic powder, salt, pepper - the usual suspects. But the real magic comes from that tiny bit of nutmeg in the sauce.

Honestly, it makes all the difference. If you fancy a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Boom!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need loads of fancy kit for this broccoli cheese casserole chicken recipe.

• Large skillet.
• 9x13 inch baking dish .
• Whisk.
• Mixing bowls.

If you ain't got a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch. This chicken casserole recipe easy is all about using what you've got.

Remember, this chicken broccoli casserole is great. Make sure you give it a good try. This recipe is a classic, one of the easy casserole recipes , ready in less than an hour.

Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Bliss Bake

Right, let's dive into this creamy chicken and broccoli bake. Honestly, it's like a big, warm hug after a long day.

Think Sunday dinner at Grandma's pure comfort food. This is one of those easy casserole recipes that even I can't mess up, and that's saying something.

Plus, it's a fantastic way to sneak some greens into your picky eaters' diets.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

First, get everything prepped. Shred your cooked chicken (rotisserie is king, trust me!), chop that onion, and get your broccoli florets ready.

I usually buy a rotisserie chicken casserole recipes because its convenient. Having everything prepped makes the whole process so much faster.

Safety wise, just remember basic knife skills - no need for kitchen casualties!

Let's Get Cooking: The step-by-step

1. Sauté the chopped onion in 2 tablespoons olive oil until soft.
2. Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Cook until slightly tender crisp. Don't overcook!
3. Melt 4 tablespoons butter. Whisk in 4 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute .
4. Gradually whisk in 2 cups warm milk until smooth. Cook until thickened.
5. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese until melted.
6. Add 2 cups chicken and broccoli mixture to the sauce.
7. Pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with cracker mixture.
8. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 25- 30 minutes , until golden and bubbly.

Chicken Broccoli Casserole Secrets From My Kitchen

Here's a pro tip: Warm that milk before adding it to the roux. Seriously, it prevents lumps! Also, don't even think about using pre-shredded cheese.

Shredding it yourself makes it melt so much better, its one of the biggest common mistake to avoid. You can make the creamy chicken casserole mix a day ahead.

Just don't add the topping until you're ready to bake.

Honestly, this broccoli cheese casserole chicken dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It's hearty, cheesy chicken broccoli casserole and totally satisfying.

Give it a go, and let me know what you think! This chicken casserole recipe easy is great for comfort food casserole , you won't regret it.

Recipe Notes That’ll Make Your Chicken Broccoli Casserole Sing!

Alright, so you're about to make the best chicken broccoli casserole ever. Honestly, this is the ultimate comfort food casserole recipe. These tips are the secret sauce to making it truly amazing!

Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters, right? For plating, scoop a generous portion of your creamy chicken casserole onto a plate. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or chives.

It adds a pop of colour. I reckon a side salad would be perfect. Think crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.

Garlic bread is brilliant too! It's chicken and broccoli heaven on a plate, mate.

Keepin’ it Fresh: Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This broccoli casserole keeps well. Fridge it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

For freezing, let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers. It’ll last up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Then, bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through and bubbly. If it starts to dry out, add a splash of milk.

Reheating your easy casserole recipes has never been easier.

Remix Time: Variations on a Theme

Fancy a change? No probs! For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend. Use gluten-free crackers for the topping, too.

Feeling fancy? Add some sauteed mushrooms for a mushroom chicken & broccoli casserole . It gives it an earthy kick. These rotisserie chicken casserole recipes are easy to twist.

The goal is to personalize your cheesy chicken broccoli casserole .

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, so here's the lowdown: each serving of this chicken broccoli casserole recipe easy is roughly around 450 to 550 calories.

It’s packed with protein. You’ll also get a good dose of vitamins from the broccoli. Remember, this is broccoli cheese casserole chicken , so enjoy but keep things balanced!

Honestly, cooking this chicken broccoli casserole is a breeze. Just relax, follow the steps, and have fun with it. You’ve got this! Get ready to make a chicken broccoli casserole that everyone will love.