​Chicken Broccoli Casserole

​Chicken broccoli casserole is a classic comfort dish that combines hearty flavors with nourishing ingredients. This comforting casserole features tender chunks of chicken and crisp-tender broccoli, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s typically baked until bubbly and golden, creating a warm and satisfying meal.
The casserole’s creamy sauce, often made from a blend of cream of chicken soup, cheese, and seasoning, binds the chicken and broccoli together, enhancing the dish with a rich, savory flavor. A crunchy topping, such as breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, adds a delightful contrast to the creamy base.
Perfect for family dinners or a cozy gathering, chicken broccoli casserole is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Its blend of textures and flavors makes it a comforting choice for any meal, providing a delicious and wholesome option that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

​Ingredients:

• For the Casserole:
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup (or mushroom soup for a vegetarian version)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Topping (optional):
  • 1/2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, steamed or blanched broccoli, and cooked rice.
   • Add the cream of chicken soup and sour cream to the bowl. Stir until well combined.
   • Mix in the shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme or basil, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
   • Smooth the top with a spatula.
4. Prepare the Topping (Optional):
   • In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter.
   • Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
5. Bake the Casserole:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
6. Serve:
   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.

Tips:

• Vegetable Variation: You can add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Choice: Feel free to use different types of cheese or a cheese blend for varied flavor.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when ready to serve, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Chicken Broccoli Casserole as a comforting meal for the whole family!