Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Backstory: This cozy casserole is filled with tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and creamy sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs and gooey melted cheese! It’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights, potlucks or family dinners!

Ingredients

• 2 large heads of broccoli, cut into florets
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 2 cups of cooked white rice
• 1/2 cup of butter
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
• 3 cups of milk
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1 tsp of garlic powder
• 1 tsp of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes or until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the flour and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to make a roux.
5. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
6. Add garlic powder, dried thyme, salt and pepper to taste and continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
7. Add the cooked chicken and cooked rice to the sauce and stir to combine.
8. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked broccoli florets.
9. Pour half of the chicken and rice mixture over the broccoli layer.
10. Add the remaining broccoli florets over the chicken and rice layer.
11. Top the remaining chicken and rice mixture over the broccoli layer.
12. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs on top.
13. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Flavor Profile

This chicken and broccoli casserole is comforting, creamy and oh so filling. The mix of broccoli, shredded chicken and rice in a rich and smooth sauce add savory and earthy flavors. The bubbly melted cheddar cheese on top and the crispy breadcrumbs create a perfect combination of textures. You can serve this casserole as a stand-alone dish or garnish it with a side salad or freshly baked bread sticks. Enjoy!