Chicken And Broccoli Casserole
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich mushroom sauce, topped with melty Velveeta cheese and crunchy bread crumbs. Perfect for family dinners, it offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures that will please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a greased casserole dish, mix chicken, broccoli, soup, sour cream, half of the cheese, and 1 cup of bread crumbs.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
- Top with the remaining cheese and bread crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for approximately 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier casserole, consider adding a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture. You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a different flavor profile. If you prefer fresh broccoli, blanch it before adding to the casserole. To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken cubes.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken And Broccoli Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or steamed rice. For a comforting meal, serve with crusty bread or a side of garlic bread. It also complements a light dessert like fruit salad or pudding for a balanced dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Broccoli Casserole contains roughly 495 calories, with 28g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 820mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli! Just make sure to blanch it briefly in boiling water before adding it to the casserole. This will help soften the broccoli and enhance its flavor while ensuring it cooks evenly during baking.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this Chicken And Broccoli Casserole gluten-free, substitute the Pepperidge Farm bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, ensure that the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and cook it as instructed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).