Chicken Broccoli Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
535 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Description
The Chicken Broccoli Casserole is prepared by combining al dente pasta and broccoli pieces that are briefly cooked together, ensuring the broccoli retains some bite. Cooked chopped chicken is mixed into this along with a sauce made primarily from Alfredo pasta sauce and shredded cheeses, with garlic powder and dry mustard adding depth. The casserole base is spread in a greased dish before topping with a breadcrumb mixture blended with melted butter, fresh parsley, and cheddar cheese for a crunchy finish.
Baking at 350°F allows the casserole to bubble through evenly, melting the cheeses and crisping the topping to a light golden color. The dish contrasts soft creamy elements with the crunch of the topping, satisfying textural variety. It can serve as a main course offering a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and starch.
A homemade sauce option is provided, made from butter, diced onion, garlic, flour, milk, cream cheese, and cheeses cooked into a smooth cheesy sauce seasoned with dry mustard. This alternative adds a fresh, from-scratch approach to the creamy component, adapting for those who prefer to avoid prepared sauces.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta cooked al dente, medium size
- 4 cups broccoli cut into bite-sized pieces, florets
- 2 cups chicken cooked, chopped
Sauce* (optional from scratch sauce below)
- 2 ½ cups Alfredo pasta sauce about 2 jars, prepared
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup swiss cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
Crumb Topping
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped, fresh
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook pasta al dente according to package directions adding the broccoli into the cooking water during the last 2 minutes. Drain well.
- Meanwhile, combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Stir together broccoli and pasta, sauce, and chicken. Place in a greased 2 qt casserole dish.
- Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake 35 minutes or until bubbly and cheese lightly browned.
Notes
- To make the sauce from scratch, cook diced onion and minced garlic in butter until softened before whisking in flour and gradually adding milk until thickened.
- Stir in cream cheese and shredded cheeses with dry mustard powder for a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- This homemade sauce can replace prepared Alfredo sauce for a fresher taste and texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 535 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 535 | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 14% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Cholesterol | 111mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 963mg | 40% |
| Potassium | 326mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 850IU | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 55mg | 61% |
| Calcium | 320mg | 32% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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