Chicken Broccoli Casserole(Small Recipe)
A comforting chicken broccoli casserole featuring tender broccoli, flavorful cooked chicken, and creamy soups, all topped with melted cheese. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli according to package directions.
- Combine cooked broccoli, cooked chicken, cooked Minute rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and milk in a bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Cover with shredded American or Cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. You can substitute the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups with homemade versions or other soups like cream of celery if preferred. To boost flavor, add garlic powder or onion powder. If you want more vegetables, mix in some cooked carrots or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread or biscuits for a comforting touch. If you're looking for more chicken recipes, explore other favorites like Hot Chicken Cheese or Creamed Chicken A La King to expand your dinner options.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Broccoli Casserole(Small Recipe) contains roughly 928 calories, with 24g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), iron (57% of the Daily Value), and protein (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1890mg per serving (82% 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 steam or blanch it briefly before combining it with the other ingredients to ensure it's tender when baked. Fresh broccoli will provide a nice crunch and vibrant color to the casserole.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of milk. Substitute the cream soups with a homemade white sauce or a plant-based cream soup for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble everything in the casserole dish, cover it tightly, and bake when ready. You may need to add a few extra 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).