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Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe

5 from 17 reviews

A comforting and creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole featuring tender chicken breast and nutritious broccoli florets baked in a rich blend of cream soups, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or potluck gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables

  • 212.6 ounce bags frozen baby broccoli florets

Sauce

  • 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
  • 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Topping

  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
  • ¼ cup butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. When the oil is hot, add the chicken without overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Broccoli: Microwave the frozen broccoli florets according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them well to remove any excess moisture which can affect the casserole texture.
  4. Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well blended.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked chicken pieces and steamed broccoli into the soup mixture until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
  7. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  8. Add Cheese and Cracker Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, then top with the buttered cracker crumbs for a crunchy, golden crust.
  9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Notes

  • To reduce moisture in the casserole, ensure the broccoli is well drained after microwaving.
  • You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and slightly less fat.
  • For added nutrition, consider mixing in some diced onions or mushrooms with the chicken.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
  • Using fresh broccoli instead of frozen will require blanching before adding to the casserole.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken broccoli casserole, creamy chicken casserole, cheesy broccoli bake, easy chicken dinner, comfort food casserole