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Creamy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole Recipe

This creamy chicken and broccoli casserole recipe makes for a really great meal. I’m on a casserole kick as of late. So, expect a few more coming up. I just find that I usually turn towards this kind of meal when I am having a crazy day.

Creamy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole Recipe

There’s nothing easier than throwing a bunch of ingredients together into one skillet/pan and then giving myself time while it cooks in the oven. Nothing to watch on the stove! That’s why I usually lean on broccoli rice casseroles.

I can tend to the rest of the house or be with my kids. Yes, chicken and rice casseroles are my favorite, and I hope they also become yours. Let’s discuss how you make them – primarily this creamy chicken casserole.

Creamy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole Recipe

If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet like the one pictured in this blog post, you can pour everything into a greased casserole dish and use that to bake your meal instead. Don’t get caught up in what I use.

I have a rice cooker I LIVE AND DIE FOR, but you can always make rice the traditional way or go for something more instant. That is up to you. But if you haven’t purchased a rice cooker yet, it has improved my life.

When I am in a pinch, I throw a bag of frozen rice from Trader Joe’s in the microwave, and admittedly, it’s just as good. 🙂 I rarely make rice on the stovetop; I don’t have the patience since I’ve seen the rice cooker light. And for $25, you can too.

Let’s get right to this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe.

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1lb, chicken breast, cut into cubes
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli
  • 2-1/2 cups cooked wild rice (1 cup uncooked Lundbery Wild Blend Rice)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions:

onions and garlic with chicken in skillet


For this creamy chicken casserole, you need a large skillet. Heat oil, garlic, onion, and chicken all together. Cook until chicken is browned on medium heat. Since it’s a chicken broccoli casserole, we need to add the broccoli, right?

broccoli, onions and garlic with chicken in skillet

Add the broccoli and cook it for 2 minutes or until bright green. Stir in the rice and add your seasonings. You are almost done with your Creamy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole.

melting butter for creamy chicken casserole

Grab a small saucepan. In that small saucepan, heat butter and flour, whisking constantly until combined.

Add your milk and heat on medium, stirring constantly until bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and cheddar cheese until completely melted.

Pour over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Mix well. This will help create that creamy chicken casserole we hope to achieve.

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole in skillet Ready to Bake

Your chicken broccoli cheese casserole will need to bake in a 350-degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and heated through. When it is done, top with Parmesan cheese right before serving.

Serves 6

Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe

 

Do You Have To Cook The Rice Before Baking This Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe?

Yes, but as I mentioned in the intro, I love my rice cooker. You can multi-task and have your rice cooker going while you prep your chicken. I NEVER make rice on the stove anymore now that I have a rice cooker. It will change your life.  Haven’t I mentioned that already? 🙂

Creamy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole Recipe

FAQs

  1. What type of chicken is best for this casserole?
    • Both chicken breasts and thighs are suitable for this dish. Breasts are leaner, while thighs offer more flavor due to higher fat content. Precooked or rotisserie chicken can be a great time-saver and adds depth of flavor.
  2. How can I make the sauce creamy but not too heavy?
    • To lighten the sauce, you can use milk or even a plant-based alternative like almond or soy milk. To thicken the sauce without cream, consider using a roux (butter and flour mixture) or a slurry (cornstarch and water).
  3. What kind of cheese works well in this casserole?
    • Cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan are excellent choices. They melt well and add a rich flavor. Feel free to experiment with a mix of your favorite cheeses.
  4. How can I incorporate more vegetables into this casserole?
    • Consider adding carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. These can complement the broccoli and add nutritional value.
  5. Can this casserole be made ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For reheating, bake in an oven until it’s heated through. It can also be frozen, either baked or unbaked.
  6. Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
    • To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the sauce and ensure any added ingredients like stock or pre-packaged items are gluten-free.
  7. How can I make this recipe healthier?
    • Use low-fat cheese and milk. You can also increase the proportion of broccoli and chicken while reducing the cheese and sauce amounts.
  8. What are some recommended spices or herbs to enhance the flavor?
    • Garlic, thyme, and black pepper work well. A bit of mustard or nutmeg can also add a nice touch.
  9. What’s the best way to ensure the broccoli is not overcooked?
    • It’s best to add broccoli when it’s just undercooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven. If pre-cooking, blanch it briefly in boiling water.
  10. Can I use a different type of pasta or rice in this casserole?
    • Absolutely! Whole grain pasta, brown rice, or even quinoa can be great alternatives. They add different textures and nutritional profiles to the dish.

Recipe Variations:

Here are some recipe variations for the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole to suit different tastes and dietary requirements:

  1. Low-Carb/Keto Version: Substitute the pasta or rice with cauliflower rice or chopped cauliflower florets. Use heavy cream and full-fat cheese to align with keto dietary guidelines.
  2. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce spoonful to give the casserole a spicy touch.
  3. Cream of Mushroom Variation: Incorporate a can of cream of mushroom soup for a richer, earthier flavor. This works well with both chicken and vegetarian versions.
  4. Seafood Twist: Replace chicken with shrimp or a seafood mix for a different flavor profile. Seafood like shrimp cooks quickly, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  5. Cheese Lovers’ Delight: Add a mix of cheeses such as gouda, gruyere, or blue cheese for a more complex flavor.
  6. Healthy Boost: Include quinoa, brown rice, or whole-grain pasta instead of white pasta or rice. Add more green vegetables like spinach, kale, or peas.
  7. Mediterranean Style: Incorporate olives, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and Mediterranean herbs like oregano and basil for a Mediterranean twist.

Well, what do you think of this chicken broccoli cheese casserole? Something that you might want to try? If you are thinking about other dishes on my site for dinner – give these a shot:

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole in skillet Ready to Bake

Creamy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Yield: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • * 1 tablespoon oil
  • * 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • * 1/2 cup diced onion
  • * 1lb, chicken breast, cut into cubes
  • * 3 cups fresh broccoli
  • * 2-1/2 cups cooked wild rice (1 cup uncooked Lundbery Wild Blend Rice)
  • * 1 teaspoon salt
  • * 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • * 1 tablespoon butter
  • * 1 tablespoon flour
  • * 1 cup milk
  • * 1/2 cup sour cream
  • * 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • * 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. For this creamy chicken casserole, you need a large skillet.
  2. Heat oil, garlic, onion, and chicken all together. Cook until chicken is browned on medium heat. Since it's a chicken broccoli casserole, we need to add the broccoli, right?
  3. Add the broccoli and cook it for an additional 2 minutes or until bright green. Stir in the rice and add your seasonings. You are almost done with your Creamy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole.
  4. Grab a small saucepan.In that small saucepan, heat butter and flour whisking constantly until combined.
  5. Add your milk and heat on medium, stirring constantly until bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and cheddar cheese until completely melted.
  6. Pour over chicken and broccoli mixture. Mix well. This is going to help create that creamy chicken casserole we are all hoping to achieve.
  7. Your chicken broccoli cheese casserole will need to bake in a 350-degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and heated through. When it is done, top with Parmesan cheese right before serving.

Serves 6

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 418Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 707mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 4gSugar: 3gProtein: 36g

Did you make this recipe?

Did you make this recipe? Tag me on Instagram (@VeraSweeney) so I can see your wonderful creation! I would love to see your dish.

 

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