When I think about comfort food, Mouthwatering Chicken Broccoli Casserole always comes to mind. This dish combines tender chicken and fresh broccoli in a creamy sauce that feels just right. You can easily customize it to accommodate various tastes or dietary needs. If you’re looking for a straightforward recipe to impress, you’ll want to know more about the ingredients and steps involved in making this delightful casserole.
Ingredients
The Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. Combining tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Here’s what you will need to create this delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 (20 oz.) package chopped frozen broccoli, uncooked
- 4 whole chicken breasts, cooked and cut up
- 1 can cream of chicken soup, not diluted
- 1 can cream of celery soup or cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup Hellmann’s mayonnaise
- 2 cups Pepperidge Farm herb season or stuffing
- 4 oz. grated sharp cheese
When preparing this casserole, it’s important to take into account dietary restrictions and preferences. For example, if you are cooking for someone who is lactose intolerant, you may want to look for dairy-free alternatives for the soups and mayonnaise. Additionally, you can replace the chicken with a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version of the dish. Make sure to use a suitable stuffing mix if you’re catering to specific dietary needs, as some brands may contain allergens like nuts or gluten. Regardless of these considerations, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to suit various tastes.
Preparations
To make the Chicken Broccoli Casserole, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 can of cream of celery soup (or cream of mushroom soup), and 1 cup of Hellmann’s mayonnaise. Stir this mixture until smooth and well-blended. Next, in a 13 x 9-inch baking pan, layer the ingredients in the following order: first, spread the 1 (20 oz.) package of uncooked chopped frozen broccoli evenly across the bottom, followed by the 4 cooked and cut-up chicken breasts. Pour the creamy soup mixture over the chicken layer, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
For the topping, combine 2 cups of Pepperidge Farm herb season or stuffing with 4 oz. of grated sharp cheese in a separate bowl. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for approximately 45 to 50 minutes, or until the broccoli is cooked and tender. Once it is done, let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this hearty dish that serves 10 to 12 people!
Substitutions and Variations
While the Chicken Broccoli Casserole is delicious as is, experimenting with substitutions and variations can make it even more exciting. For a lighter option, I sometimes swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt; it adds creaminess without the extra calories. You can also mix in other veggies like cauliflower or carrots for added color and nutrition. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding cooked bacon or a sprinkle of spicy cheddar cheese on top. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs instead of traditional stuffing. The possibilities truly make this chicken broccoli casserole your own! Enjoy the creativity!
Additional Things to Serve With This Dish
If you’re looking to elevate your Chicken Broccoli Casserole meal, consider pairing it with a simple side salad. A fresh mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a revitalizing contrast to the creamy casserole. You can also serve crusty garlic bread on the side; it’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. For a heartier touch, roasted vegetables such as carrots or zucchini complement the dish beautifully. Finally, don’t forget a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon to enhance your dining experience. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Conclusion
To sum up, this Mouthwatering Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a fantastic choice for any meal, combining convenience and flavor effortlessly. With its creamy texture and crunchy topping, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s easily customizable to fit your dietary needs. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just looking for an easy weeknight meal, I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious casserole as much as I do!
