Chicken-Broccoli Delight
A comforting chicken and broccoli casserole with creamy mushroom and chicken soups, topped with crunchy bread crumbs, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt 1 stick of margarine and add the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Melt the remaining 1/2 cup of margarine and combine it with the bread crumbs.
- In a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan or large casserole dish, layer alternately the chicken, broccoli, and stuffing mix, ending with the soup mixture on top.
- Sprinkle the bread crumbs over the top layer.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using chicken broth instead of margarine to sauté the ingredients. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom and chicken soups with homemade versions, or use a dairy-free alternative for a healthier twist. If you want a bit of crunch, add some toasted almonds or walnuts to the topping. This dish is similar to American recipes like Can Can Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken-Broccoli Delight with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with rice dishes, such as Rice And Pork Casserole, to soak up the savory sauce. For a complete dinner, consider offering a light dessert like fruit salad or yogurt to cleanse the palate.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm. For best results, cover with foil while reheating to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Broccoli Delight contains roughly 617 calories, with 8g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 869mg per serving (38% 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, fresh broccoli can be used in place of frozen. Just blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding it to the casserole to ensure it cooks properly in the baking process.
What can I substitute for the stuffing mix?
You can make your own stuffing mix using cubed bread, herbs, and spices. Alternatively, use cooked quinoa or couscous for a gluten-free option that still provides a similar texture.
Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook it, as it will be starting from a cold state.
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).