Chicken Casserole with Creamy Broccoli

Ingredients

Regarding the casserole:

1. Two cups of cooked chicken, either diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken is a good option).
2. Four cups of fresh broccoli florets, or frozen broccoli that has been thawed and drained
3. One cup of cooked rice, either brown or white
4. One cup of shredded cheddar cheese
5. Half a cup of mayonnaise
6. Half a cup of sour cream
7. One can (10.5 ounces) of homemade or canned cream of chicken soup
8. One teaspoon of powdered garlic
9. One teaspoon of powdered onion
10. To taste, add salt and pepper.

Regarding the topping:

• One cup of normal or panko breadcrumbs
• Half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Two tablespoons of melted unsalted butter

Directions

Warm up the oven:

• Set the oven temperature to 175°C (350°F).

Get the broccoli ready:

• If using fresh broccoli, blanch or steam the florets for 3–4 minutes, or until they are just tender. After draining, set away. Make sure the broccoli is rinsed and thawed if using frozen broccoli.

Blend the filling for the casserole:

• Add the cooked chicken, broccoli, cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, onion and garlic powders, salt, and pepper to a large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly to coat everything.

Put the casserole together:

• Transfer the chicken and broccoli mixture to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish that has been oiled. Evenly distribute it.

Get the topping ready:

• Combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl and stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly distributed. Evenly distribute this mixture on top of the casserole.

Bake:

• The casserole should be bubbling and the topping should be golden brown after 30 to 35 minutes of baking in a preheated oven.

Serve:

• Before serving, take it out of the oven and allow it to settle for a few minutes. If you’d like, serve your hot Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Casserole with crusty bread or a side salad.

Advice

• Options for Chicken: For convenience, you can use canned chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or poached chicken.
• Vegetable Variations: To improve the dish, feel free to add more veggies like peas, cauliflower, or carrots.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply wrap it tightly in foil. If baking straight from the refrigerator, you might need to extend the baking time.
• This casserole is good for freezing. Before baking, you can make it, put it together, and freeze it. Before baking, let it thaw overnight in the fridge.

Savor the warm and delectable Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Casserole—your family will love it!