Looking for a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love? Our Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole is the perfect solution! Packed with tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and gooey melted cheese, this comforting dish is sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish to serve at gatherings, this casserole has you covered. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
- Yes, fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen. Simply steam or blanch the broccoli until tender before adding it to the casserole.
2. Can I use other types of cheese?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby for a unique flavor twist.
3. Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?
- If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, cottage cheese or cream cheese can be used as a substitute.
4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Simply cover it tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cubed chicken
- 16 oz (1lb) bag of frozen broccoli
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cube chicken bouillon (or 1 tsp bouillon powder)
- 1/2 cup water (optional, to disperse chicken flavoring)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup ricotta
- Bacon Grease
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with bacon grease or non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Broccoli: In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen broccoli, diced onion, garlic powder, chicken bouillon cube, water (if using), and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the broccoli mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cooked chicken and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining broccoli, chicken, and cheese.
- Mix the Creamy Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream and ricotta cheese until smooth. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the top layer of cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or additional shredded cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For added flavor, consider adding cooked and crumbled bacon or diced bell peppers to the casserole layers.
- Feel free to customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes can add a delicious kick to the dish.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- To make this casserole keto-friendly and low in carbs, simply omit the onion and use full-fat dairy products such as cream cheese or heavy cream instead of sour cream and ricotta.
In conclusion, our Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole is a versatile and family-friendly dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple preparation and delicious flavors, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for dinner tonight or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this casserole is a winner every time. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love!
