"The Dream"
A creamy, cheesy broccoli and chicken casserole with flavorful curry, topped with crispy crumbs—perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen broccoli ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked chicken or 1 package chicken breasts, diced ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons melted butter ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 11 1/2 x 7 1/2 x 1 1/2-inch baking dish or spray with non-stick spray.
- Cook broccoli and drain; arrange broccoli in the prepared baking dish.
- Place cooked, diced chicken on top of the broccoli.
- In a bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and curry powder.
- Pour this mixture over the chicken and broccoli.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- In a separate bowl, mix bread crumbs with melted butter or margarine and garlic powder.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until bubbling and crumbs are golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup mixture. Fresh broccoli can be used in place of frozen; just slightly steam it before adding. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. This dish can also be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. For a comforting dinner, serve it alongside Hearty Potato Sauerkraut Soup for a delightful combo. You can also top it with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the crispy topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "The Dream" contains roughly 791 calories, with 18g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (136% of the Daily Value), iron (88% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1172mg per serving (51% 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 steam it lightly until tender before layering it in the baking dish. This will enhance the texture and flavor of the casserole.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven; you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for the cream soups?
If you prefer not to use canned cream soups, you can make a homemade version with a roux of butter, flour, and milk, along with seasonings. This will provide a similar creamy texture while allowing for more control over the flavors.
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).