Chicken Broccoli Strata(One Dish Meal)
A hearty one-dish meal combining tender chicken, broccoli, bread, and cheese, baked to perfection with creamy mushroom soup, ideal for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and well drained ⓘ
- 8 slices white bread ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 block cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 slightly beaten eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Butter 2 slices of bread.
- Cut the buttered bread into 1-inch cubes.
- Place half of the unbuttered bread cubes in the bottom of an 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Cut the remaining bread into cubes and set aside.
- Combine the shredded chicken, thawed broccoli, chopped onion, chopped celery (if using), mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, and salt. Mix well.
- Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining unbuttered bread cubes over the chicken mixture.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and milk together. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Cover the dish and chill for 1 hour or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the top of the casserole.
- Sprinkle the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese evenly over the soup layer.
- Bake uncovered for 50 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- In the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle additional cheese over the top if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the chicken mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. Using whole grain bread can also add extra nutrition. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with cooked quinoa or additional vegetables. Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Broccoli Strata makes a hearty main dish and pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables. For an extra touch, serve it alongside crusty bread or a light vinaigrette. It's perfect for brunch or dinner and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Broccoli Strata(One Dish Meal) contains roughly 726 calories, with 25g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (52% of the Daily Value), protein (51% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1915mg per serving (83% 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 blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before draining and adding to the recipe. This will ensure it's tender and incorporates well into the dish.
Is it possible to make this strata ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the strata the night before and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can create a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and milk, then add sautéed mushrooms. Alternatively, any cream-based soup like cream of chicken or cream of celery could work well.
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).