Deep Dish Cheddar Chicken And Broccoli
A hearty baked casserole combining tender chicken, broccoli, melted Cheddar, and savory seasonings, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen broccoli, cooked and drained
- 3/4 teaspoon sage ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon ginger ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of Cheddar soup ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If using boneless chicken, melt margarine in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish while oven preheats.
- Roll cooked chicken in the melted margarine and cook for 10 minutes on each side.
- Saute chopped onion in a small pan until tender.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of Cheddar soup, milk, sage, ginger, flour, and salt; mix well.
- Add cooked broccoli, chopped chicken, and sautéed onion to the mixture; stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting fresh broccoli for frozen or adding a dash of hot sauce to the soup mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese. You can also substitute the chicken with cooked turkey for a different twist. If you want to save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it yourself.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve with roasted vegetables or a side of rice. Consider complementing it with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or lemonade. For more variations, check out the Easy Chicken Quiche for another delicious chicken recipe.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method will help maintain the crispy cheese topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deep Dish Cheddar Chicken And Broccoli contains roughly 1433 calories, with 26g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 95g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (52% of the Daily Value), calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2445mg per serving (106% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Simply assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for some heat, or even a mix of cheeses for a richer flavor. Just be sure to maintain a similar volume to achieve the desired creaminess.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and substituting it with canned beans or additional vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. A plant-based cream soup can also be used to maintain the creamy texture.
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).