Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe
This Chicken Broccoli Casserole is one of our absolute favorites and has quickly become a family staple. Not only does it feature tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy goodness, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy nights or when you have leftover chicken or turkey on hand. Whether you’re preparing it with fresh chicken or using leftovers, itโs a versatile dish thatโs easily doubled or halved to suit your needs. We love to serve it with steamed rice to complete the meal, but feel free to get creative with sides. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it the ideal one-dish meal for any occasion.
Recipe Overview:
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: One-Dish Meal
- Servings: 6
- Calories per Serving: 848.7
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frying chickens (or leftover cooked chicken/turkey) | 3 whole chickens (or 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken/turkey) |
| Frozen broccoli | 2 cups |
| Fresh broccoli | 1 bunch (about 1 1/2 cups chopped) |
| Mayonnaise | 1/4 cup |
| Curry powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 1/2 cup |
| Butter | 1/2 cup (melted) |
| Bread crumbs | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 848.7 kcal |
| Fat Content | 59 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 16.7 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 204.1 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1264.1 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 28 g |
| Fiber Content | 3.3 g |
| Sugar Content | 5 g |
| Protein Content | 51.4 g |
Instructions:
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Stew the Chicken: Begin by stewing your chicken (or turkey if using leftovers). Place the whole chicken in a large pot of water, bringing it to a boil and simmering until the meat is fully cooked and tender. Once done, allow it to cool and remove the bones. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, ensuring there are no bones left. If youโre using leftover chicken or turkey, simply shred the meat and skip the stewing step.
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Prepare the Broccoli: While the chicken is cooling, steam the broccoli until it is tender, around 5-7 minutes. If using fresh broccoli, chop it into florets before steaming. Once cooked, drain any excess water thoroughly to avoid sogginess in the casserole.
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Grease the Casserole Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease an 11×7-inch casserole dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Assemble the Casserole: Start by placing the shredded chicken evenly on the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Next, layer the broccoli on top of the chicken.
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Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, curry powder, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and evenly blended. Pour this mixture over the broccoli, spreading it out to coat the vegetables and chicken.
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Prepare the Topping: In another bowl, mix the bread crumbs with the melted butter. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir everything together until well combined. This will create a deliciously crunchy topping that melts beautifully when baked.
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Add the Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumb and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt as the casserole bakes, creating a golden, crispy crust.
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Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the casserole should be bubbly around the edges.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with steamed rice for a complete meal or your favorite side dishes.
Tips and Variations:
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Leftover Chicken or Turkey: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken or turkey. Shred the meat and substitute it directly into the casserole. Itโs a great way to repurpose your holiday leftovers!
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Rice: Serve the casserole over a bed of steamed rice for a satisfying, complete meal. Alternatively, you could use quinoa or couscous for a healthier twist.
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Vegetarian Option: If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can omit the chicken and use additional vegetables like mushrooms or cauliflower in place of the meat.
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Cheese Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend of your favorites can work well in this casserole.
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Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or when you want a stress-free dinner.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe:
The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and the creamy, curry-flavored sauce is simply irresistible. The breadcrumb topping gives the casserole a delightful crunch that balances out the creaminess below. Plus, itโs a one-dish meal that requires minimal cleanup, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights. Whether youโre using fresh chicken or leftovers, this casserole is a comforting and flavorful meal the whole family will enjoy.
Enjoy your Chicken Broccoli Casserole, and remember, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Itโs the perfect dish to bring to a potluck or make on a busy day when you need something hearty and satisfying in no time. Happy cooking from Love With Recipes!
