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Best Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe

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A quick and easy cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole that comes together in about 35 minutes. This comforting dish features tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a creamy, velvety cheese sauce with a golden breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for roux)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Blanch the broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for exactly 2 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well.
  3. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously. Add the heavy cream and whisk until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, whisking until each addition is melted. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, blanched broccoli, and cheese sauce. Gently fold until evenly coated.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  7. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly around the edges and golden brown on top. If needed, broil for 1-2 minutes for extra browning.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Notes

Shred your own cheese for best melting results. Don’t overcook the broccoli—blanch for only 2 minutes. Let cream cheese come to room temperature to avoid lumps. Rest the casserole before serving to allow the sauce to set. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole, chicken broccoli casserole, easy casserole recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, cheesy casserole

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