Herbed Chicken Broccoli Casserole
A comforting baked chicken casserole with tender shredded chicken, broccoli, creamy soups, and seasoned stuffing, perfect for a hearty family meal or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stew the chicken breasts and cool, reserving 2 cups of the broth.
- Remove the chicken from the bone and tear into bite-size pieces.
- Place the chicken in a shallow 3-quart baking dish.
- Add the frozen cut broccoli to the dish.
- Combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of the reserved broth.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and broccoli.
- Mix the melted butter with the remaining cup of broth.
- Stir in the herb seasoning mix and the stuffing.
- Spoon the stuffing mixture over the chicken and broccoli.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in the herb seasoning mix for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of cream of celery soup. For a healthier twist, use low-fat soups and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. This dish can also be made with leftover rotisserie chicken for added convenience.
Serving Suggestions
This Herbed Chicken Broccoli Casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it with rice or quinoa. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top just before serving adds a lovely touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then bake at 350°F until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Chicken Broccoli Casserole contains roughly 776 calories, with 25g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 789mg per serving (34% 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 instead of frozen. Just blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding it to the casserole to ensure it cooks properly during baking.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a different flavor or need a substitute, you can use homemade béchamel sauce or swap it with an equal amount of cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup for a similar 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).