Creamy Chicken 'N Broccoli
Creamy Chicken 'N Broccoli combines tender chicken, broccoli, and a savory cheese sauce, topped with crispy fried onions. Perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare stuffing mix according to package directions; stir in half of the French fried onions.
- Spread the stuffing mixture over the bottom of a 9-inch casserole dish.
- Place thawed and drained chopped broccoli atop the stuffing layer.
- Prepare cheese sauce mix according to package directions using 1 1/4 cups of milk. Stir in sour cream.
- Add cooked, cubed chicken to the cheese mixture and stir well.
- Pour the chicken and cheese sauce over the broccoli layer.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining French fried onions on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating garlic powder or onion powder into the stuffing mix. You can substitute fresh broccoli for the frozen variety if you prefer. If you're looking for a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese sauce mix. This dish can also benefit from a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking for an extra cheesy touch.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken 'n broccoli pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It's also great alongside rice or quinoa for a heartier option. For a fun twist, consider serving it with a side of Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Breasts for added flavor variety!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Chicken 'N Broccoli contains roughly 345 calories, with 8g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 510mg per serving (22% 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 a different type of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute the chicken with turkey or even a vegetarian protein like tofu or chickpeas for a meatless version. Just ensure that the protein is cooked and cubed, similar to the chicken.
What can I do if I don't have cheese sauce mix?
If you don't have cheese sauce mix, you can create a homemade cheese sauce using shredded cheese and a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken. Melt cheese in milk on the stovetop, whisking until smooth, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking 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).