Description of this recipe
This Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Tender chicken and broccoli are enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs, creating a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that will appeal to both kids and adults. This casserole is easy to assemble and bake, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or potlucks. It is a classic casserole that has stood the test of time, consistently delivering warmth and satisfaction to those who enjoy it.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll love this Chicken and Broccoli Casserole because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal prep time, and uses simple, readily available ingredients. The creamy, cheesy sauce is rich and flavorful, perfectly complementing the tender chicken and slightly sweet broccoli. The Ritz cracker topping adds a delightful buttery crunch that elevates the dish to a whole new level. This casserole is also versatile; you can easily customize it by adding other vegetables, cheeses, or spices to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for picky eaters! Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish to bring to a potluck, this Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is sure to be a hit. Its comfort food status guarantees smiles and satisfied bellies all around. Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 (12.6 ounce) bags frozen baby broccoli florets
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier. Set the prepared dish aside.
Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the chicken pieces without overcrowding. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the pan and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, resulting in less flavorful chicken.
Step 3: Season the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss the chicken with the seasonings to ensure they are evenly distributed. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor. You can also add other spices to your liking, such as paprika or cayenne pepper, for a bit of extra zing.
Step 4: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: Microwave the frozen broccoli florets according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the broccoli well to remove any excess moisture. Excess moisture can make the casserole soggy. You can also steam the broccoli on the stovetop if you prefer. Just be sure to cook it until it is tender-crisp.
Step 6: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. The mayonnaise adds richness and moisture to the sauce, while the milk thins it out to the perfect consistency.
Step 7: Gently fold in the cooked chicken and drained broccoli into the soup mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the chicken to become tough. Ensure the chicken and broccoli are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Step 8: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. This will ensure that the casserole cooks evenly and that each serving has a good balance of chicken, broccoli, and sauce.
Step 9: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until well combined. The melted butter helps the crackers bind together and creates a golden brown, crispy topping. You can crush the crackers by placing them in a resealable plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin or your hands.
Step 10: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, and then top with the cracker mixture. The cheese adds a layer of melted, gooey goodness, while the cracker topping provides a delightful crunch.
Step 11: Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until it is bubbly and the top is golden brown. The casserole is ready when the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
This Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce. It pairs well with a variety of vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, or asparagus. For a more substantial meal, serve it over rice or noodles. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips:
- For a healthier version, use low-fat cream of chicken soup, low-fat mayonnaise, and skim milk. You can also substitute the Ritz crackers with whole-wheat crackers or bread crumbs.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use other types of crackers or bread crumbs. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese to the topping for extra flavor.
- To prevent the cracker topping from burning, you can tent the casserole with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- If you want to add more vegetables to the casserole, consider adding sliced mushrooms, chopped onions, or diced bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole to soften them and bring out their flavor.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
This Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a timeless classic that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender chicken and broccoli, and crunchy Ritz cracker topping create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this casserole is a perfect choice. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm and satisfying meal that will leave everyone wanting more. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
A: Yes, you can definitely use fresh broccoli. You’ll need about 2 pounds of fresh broccoli florets. Steam or blanch the florets until they are tender-crisp before adding them to the casserole. Be sure to drain them well to remove any excess moisture.
Q2: Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup with something else?
A: If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with cream of celery soup or an additional can of cream of chicken soup. You can also make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, milk, and seasonings.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
A: Absolutely! This casserole is very versatile, and you can easily add other vegetables to it. Some good options include sliced mushrooms, chopped onions, diced bell peppers, or shredded carrots. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole to soften them and bring out their flavor.
Q4: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake it, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated through.
Q5: What can I use instead of Ritz crackers for the topping?
A: If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use other types of crackers, such as saltines or graham crackers. You can also use bread crumbs or even crushed potato chips. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crackers or bread crumbs. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese to the topping for extra flavor.
