Deep Dish Cheddar Chicken
A hearty, cheesy chicken casserole with tender broccoli and a flaky crescent roll crust, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 to 3 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon sage ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
- 10 ounces frozen broccoli, chopped, cooked, and drained ⓘ
- 1 can (8 ounces) crescent rolls ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onions in butter until translucent.
- Mix in flour, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add cooked, chopped chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked, drained broccoli to the sauce.
- Pour the mixture into an 11 x 7-inch baking dish.
- Separate the crescent roll dough into one large and two small rectangles, pressing perforations together.
- Cut the dough into 12 strips and arrange on top of the casserole in a lattice pattern.
- Brush the dough strips with melted butter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of sour cream or cream cheese to the filling. If you don't have cheddar, other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda can work well as substitutes. You can also use fresh broccoli instead of frozen if available, just blanch it briefly before adding it to the mixture. Keep an eye on the crust to ensure it doesn’t over-brown during baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Deep Dish Cheddar Chicken pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a festive touch, serve it during gatherings as a comforting option that complements other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covering it with foil to prevent the crust from burning. You can also microwave portions, but the crust may lose its crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deep Dish Cheddar Chicken contains roughly 662 calories, with 12g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (177% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1391mg per serving (60% 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 filling and assemble the casserole in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes in the oven cold.
What can I use instead of crescent rolls?
If you don’t have crescent rolls, you can use puff pastry or biscuit dough as a topping. Just roll it out and cut it into strips to create a lattice. Alternatively, you could omit the dough altogether and serve the filling as a hearty main dish.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. To freeze, assemble it without baking, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
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).