Ingredients

This recipe makes 4 servings.

• 4 (5-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves: Using boneless chicken breast makes the cooking process quicker and ensures that the dish is easy to eat.
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (such as Campbell’s): This adds a rich, creamy texture and a savory mushroom flavor to the casserole.
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Helps in adding a smooth, creamy texture and a bit of tanginess.
• 1 pound broccoli florets, cooked: Broccoli adds color, flavor, and a nutritional boost to the casserole.
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, providing a gooey, cheesy topping that enhances the dish’s flavor.
• 1 cup dry stuffing mix: The stuffing mix adds a crunchy texture and complements the creamy ingredients perfectly.

Instructions: How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the casserole will cook evenly and develop a golden, crispy top.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, cook the chicken breasts over medium heat until they are no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Allow the chicken to cool slightly, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and mayonnaise. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
4. Layer the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cooked chicken pieces evenly across the bottom of the dish. Arrange the cooked broccoli florets over the chicken. Pour the soup and mayonnaise mixture over the chicken and broccoli, making sure everything is evenly coated.
5. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt beautifully and form a golden, bubbly layer when baked.
6. Top with Stuffing Mix: Finally, sprinkle the dry stuffing mix over the top. The stuffing mix adds a delightful crunchy texture that balances the creaminess of the casserole.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving.
8. Serve Hot: Serve the casserole warm, either as a main dish or alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1/4 of the casserole
• Calories: 410
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 36g

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step. Cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
2. Can I use a different type of soup?
   Absolutely! Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup would work just as well. Each type of soup will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
3. How can I make this recipe healthier?
   You can use low-fat or reduced-sodium versions of the soup, cheese, and mayonnaise. You can also add more vegetables, such as cauliflower or spinach, to increase the nutritional value.
4. Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
   Yes, cooked turkey, ham, or even ground beef can be used as alternatives. This makes it a great way to use up leftover meats.
5. What can I use instead of stuffing mix?
   If you don’t have stuffing mix, you can substitute it with crushed crackers, bread crumbs, or even panko mixed with a bit of melted butter for a similar crunchy topping.

Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli will provide a better texture and flavor compared to frozen. If you must use frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
2. Cook the Chicken Properly: Make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding it to the casserole. Undercooked chicken can lead to uneven textures and possible food safety issues.
3. Evenly Coat the Ingredients: Make sure the sauce mixture is spread evenly over the chicken and broccoli to ensure that each bite is creamy and flavorful.
4. Try Adding Seasonings: You can enhance the flavor of the casserole by adding spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
5. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking. Overbaking can dry out the chicken and make the stuffing mix too crunchy. You want a golden brown top with gooey, melted cheese underneath.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigerating: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through. If using the oven, cover with aluminum foil to prevent the stuffing mix from over-browning.
2. Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked casserole for up to 2 months. Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. If freezing a cooked casserole, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
3. Reheating: For the best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until hot. You can also microwave single servings, but the stuffing mix may not stay as crisp.

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a fantastic, family-friendly dish that combines the comforting flavors of tender chicken, savory mushroom sauce, cheesy goodness, and a crunchy stuffing topping. It’s easy to customize with different ingredients and flavors, making it a versatile recipe that you can adapt to your family’s tastes. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

Give this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole a try for your next meal—it’s comfort food at its finest!