Ah, chicken broccoli casserole—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Bursting with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and gooey cheese, this dish is the answer to those hectic weeknights when time seems to slip away like sand through your fingers. Remember that time when the power went out right as I was about to start dinner? This casserole, prepped and ready in the fridge, saved the day!
Steps
- Set your oven to preheat at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, broccoli, condensed soup, sour cream, and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of Cheddar cheese and then transfer the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish, topping it with the remaining Cheddar cheese.
- Combine bread crumbs and melted butter in a separate bowl. Evenly distribute this mixture over the casserole.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken
- Cooked broccoli
- 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
- Bread crumbs
- Butter
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese in the casserole?
- Yes, you can substitute Cheddar cheese with another type of cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella, to suit your taste preferences.
- What can I use as a substitute for bread crumbs?
- If you don’t have bread crumbs, crushed crackers, like Ritz, can be a great alternative for the crunchy topping.
- How do I store leftovers of the chicken, broccoli, and cheese casserole?
- Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until thoroughly heated.
- Is it possible to freeze this casserole for later use?
- Yes, you can freeze the chicken, broccoli, and cheese casserole for up to three months. For individual servings, place them in freezer-safe containers or bags, and wrap with foil for extra protection against freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Can I use canned chicken in this recipe?
- Absolutely, canned chunk white chicken can be used if you don’t have cooked chicken on hand. It’s a convenient alternative that works well in this recipe.
Tips
- For a crispier topping, consider using crushed crackers like Ritz instead of bread crumbs, or even make your own homemade bread crumbs for added flavor.
- If you’re short on time, using canned chunk white chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken can be a convenient substitute for cooked chicken.
- Enhance the creaminess and flavor of the casserole by making your own cream of chicken soup instead of using canned soup.
- To prevent freezer burn when freezing the casserole, wrap it in a layer of foil before placing it in freezer-safe storage containers or bags.
Equipment
- 2-quart Casserole Dish – If you don’t already have a dish of this size, you can find one on Amazon.
- Baking Pan – While many people have this at home, if you need a specific size or type, you can find various options on Amazon.
- Mixing Bowls – A set of mixing bowls can be useful if you need different sizes for combining ingredients.
- Cheese Grater – If you prefer to buy block cheese and grate it yourself, a cheese grater would be necessary.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To ensure accurate measurements of ingredients.
