Creamy Cheddar Chicken Broccoli Bake 🧀🍗

Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole 🍗🥦🧀

This Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole is the epitome of comfort food 🏠. Imagine tender chicken 🍗, vibrant broccoli 🥦, and cheesy goodness 🧀 all nestled together in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, perfect for those cozy nights in or when you need a hearty meal to feed a crowd 🎉.

Recipe Overview:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep Work

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and toasty for baking later on.

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2. Cook Noodles and Broccoli: Cook the noodles and broccoli according to the package directions. You want them to be just tender, not mushy. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

3. Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbling slightly, you’re ready for the next step.

4. Add Flour and Spices: Add the flour, salt, mustard, and black pepper to the melted butter. Stir everything together well. You’re creating a roux here, the base for your creamy sauce.

5. Pour in the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. This should take about 5 minutes.

6. Add Cheese: Once the sauce is thickened, add in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and delicious. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

7. Layering Time: Now comes the fun part! In a greased casserole dish, start by layering the ingredients.

8. Noodles First: Spread the cooked noodles evenly on the bottom of the dish. This forms the hearty base of your casserole.

9. Next Up, Broccoli: Layer the cooked broccoli on top of the noodles. The bright green florets add a pop of color and nutrition.

10. Add Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Arrange these over the broccoli layer. The chicken will cook to tender perfection in the oven.

11. Pour on the Sauce: Carefully pour the creamy cheese sauce over the entire casserole. Make sure it’s evenly distributed, coating all the ingredients.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

12. Into the Oven: Pop the casserole dish into the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden and melty.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

13. Optional Topping: For an extra crunch, you can top the casserole with buttered breadcrumbs before baking. It adds a lovely texture contrast to the creamy dish.

14. Let it Rest: Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes. This allows everything to settle and makes it easier to serve.

15. Serving Up: Scoop generous portions onto plates, making sure to get all those delicious layers. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired 🌿.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 239.5
• Total Fat: 14.2g
  • Saturated Fat: 8.5g
• Cholesterol: 52mg
• Sodium: 710mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 17.9g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2.3g
  • Sugar: 1.1g
• Protein: 11.2g

Serving Suggestions:

This Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole is a complete meal on its own 🍽️. However, if you want to add some extra flair, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread 🥖 for mopping up that delicious sauce. A simple green salad 🥗 makes for a refreshing accompaniment, balancing out the richness of the casserole.

Tips and Tricks:

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Perfect for busy weeknights!

• Freezing: This casserole also freezes well. Simply wrap tightly in foil or an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

• Customize: Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Add some diced bell peppers 🌶️ for extra crunch, or throw in a handful of diced ham 🍖 for a smoky flavor boost.

Conclusion:

With its creamy texture, flavorful sauce, and wholesome ingredients, this Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole is a winner 🏆. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving some comfort food, this dish delivers on all fronts. Give it a try and let the deliciousness speak for itself! 🥳