Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole ππ₯¦π§
This Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole is the epitome of comfort food π . Imagine tender chicken π, vibrant broccoli π₯¦, and cheesy goodness π§ 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 π.
Recipe Overview:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
2 | Chicken breasts |
2 cups | Frozen broccoli |
1/4 cup | Butter |
1/4 cup | Flour |
2 cups | Milk |
1 tsp | Salt |
1 tsp | Prepared mustard |
1/2 tsp | Black pepper |
2 cups | Shredded cheddar cheese |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Work
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). This ensures it’s nice and toasty for baking later on.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Layering Time: Now comes the fun part! In a greased casserole dish, start by layering the ingredients.
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Noodles First: Spread the cooked noodles evenly on the bottom of the dish. This forms the hearty base of your casserole.
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Next Up, Broccoli: Layer the cooked broccoli on top of the noodles. The bright green florets add a pop of color and nutrition.
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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.
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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
- 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!
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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.
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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.
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Serving Up: Scoop generous portions onto plates, making sure to get all those delicious layers. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired πΏ.
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 π½οΈ. However, if you want to add some extra flair, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread π₯ for mopping up that delicious sauce. A simple green salad π₯ makes for a refreshing accompaniment, balancing out the richness of the casserole.
Tips and Tricks:
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Make-Ahead: You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Perfect for busy weeknights!
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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.
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Customize: Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Add some diced bell peppers πΆοΈ for extra crunch, or throw in a handful of diced ham π for a smoky flavor boost.
Conclusion:
With its creamy texture, flavorful sauce, and wholesome ingredients, this Chicken Broccoli Noodle Casserole is a winner π. 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! π₯³