Introducing this creamy broccoli chicken casserole! Packed with comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish that will surely become a family favorite. Here’s what makes it so special:
Satisfying Comfort: This casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining creamy textures with hearty ingredients like tender chicken breasts and fresh broccoli. Each bite is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy family dinners or chilly evenings.
Easy Preparation: With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this casserole is easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe a breeze to make.
Versatile and Customizable: While this casserole recipe is delicious as written, it’s also highly adaptable to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Feel free to add extra vegetables, swap out the chicken for another protein, or adjust the seasonings to your liking. The possibilities are endless!
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to bake. This makes it perfect for meal prep or for entertaining guests without the stress of last-minute cooking.
Family-Friendly Favorite: Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or a hungry family, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s bound to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 4 packs Knorr broccoli noodles
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 5-6 chicken breasts
- Knorr Suiza (chicken bouillon), for seasoning
- 1 head fresh broccoli, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Colby and Monterey blend)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Casserole:
- In a casserole dish, pour in the Knorr broccoli noodles.
- Add the cream of chicken soup to the noodles and mix well.
- Fill the empty cans of cream of chicken soup with water and pour into the casserole dish. Mix to combine.
- Season and Layer:
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the noodle mixture.
- Sprinkle a little Knorr Suiza (chicken bouillon) over the chicken breasts for seasoning.
- Scatter the chopped fresh broccoli throughout the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake:
- Cover the casserole dish with foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the casserole is bubbly and hot.
- Serve:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Preparation Tips:
- When pouring the Knorr broccoli noodles into the casserole dish, you can gently break them apart with a fork to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Before adding the cream of chicken soup, you can give it a quick stir in the cans to ensure it’s well mixed.
- To prevent the chicken breasts from sticking to the casserole dish, you can lightly grease the dish with cooking spray or oil before adding the noodles and soup mixture.
Seasoning Suggestions:
- In addition to Knorr Suiza (chicken bouillon), you can also season the chicken breasts with your favorite herbs and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Taste the casserole mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more Knorr Suiza or other seasonings if desired.
Baking Tips:
- Make sure to cover the casserole dish tightly with foil before baking to trap the steam and ensure the chicken cooks evenly and stays moist.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts using a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- If you prefer a crispy topping, you can remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the casserole hot straight from the oven for maximum flavor and enjoyment.
- You can accompany the casserole with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.
Presentation:
- For an elegant presentation, you can sprinkle additional shredded cheese and chopped fresh parsley or chives on top of the casserole just before serving.
- Serve the casserole in individual oven-safe serving dishes for a charming and rustic presentation, especially for special occasions or dinner parties.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Broccoli Chicken Casserole recipe :
You’ll love this creamy broccoli chicken casserole for several reasons:
- Ease of Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this casserole is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy chicken soup, tender chicken breasts, flavorful Knorr Suiza seasoning, fresh broccoli, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering blend of savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Comfort Food Appeal: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm and creamy casserole dish, especially when it’s filled with hearty ingredients like chicken and broccoli. It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
- Versatility: This casserole is highly versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. You can add extra vegetables, swap out the chicken for another protein, or adjust the seasonings to create a dish that’s uniquely yours.
- Family-Friendly: Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or a hungry family, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s bound to become a family favorite.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can easily prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This makes it convenient for meal prep or for entertaining guests without the stress of last-minute cooking.
- Leftover Potential: Any leftovers can be stored and reheated for future meals, making it a practical and economical choice for feeding yourself or your family throughout the week.
How to store Creamy Broccoli Chicken Casserole recipe :
Storing your creamy broccoli chicken casserole properly will help maintain its flavor and freshness. Here’s how to do it:
- Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Properly stored, the casserole will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze the casserole for longer-term storage, it’s best to freeze it before baking. Assemble the casserole as instructed but skip the baking step. Wrap the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or transfer the unbaked casserole to a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date and contents. The unbaked casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating: When ready to enjoy the refrigerated or frozen casserole, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if it’s frozen. Once thawed, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warm. If the casserole was frozen unbaked, bake it according to the original instructions, adding additional baking time as needed until the chicken is cooked through and the casserole is bubbly.
- Storage Tips: Store the casserole in portions if you don’t plan on reheating the entire dish at once. This way, you can reheat only what you need, reducing food waste. Additionally, avoid storing the casserole at room temperature for extended periods to prevent the risk of foodborne illness.
