Wholesome Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe for Family Joy

Comforting weeknight dinners sometimes need a nutritious spin, and this broccoli chicken casserole recipe delivers wholesome goodness with incredible flavor.

Packed with lean protein and vibrant green vegetables, the dish comes together effortlessly in one pan.

Creamy textures blend with crisp broccoli florets and tender chicken pieces.

Sharp cheddar cheese adds a delightful tang that makes every bite memorable.

Home cooks seeking a balanced meal will appreciate how quickly this casserole assembles.

Nutritious ingredients combine to create a satisfying dinner that keeps everyone happy and well-fed.

Dive into this delicious recipe and transform your typical chicken dinner into something special.

Ways To Serve Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Neatly

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Make this casserole the star of your evening meal, serving alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced plate that everyone will love.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the busy work week, keeping your nutrition on track without extra hassle.
• Potluck Perfection: Transport this dish to gatherings in a thermal carrier, ensuring it stays warm and delicious while impressing friends with a wholesome, homemade comfort food.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in a large communal dish with extra breadcrumbs on the side, letting guests scoop and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal during sports or movie nights.

How To Keep Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole For Meal Prep

• Meal Prep Magic: Cook extra chicken and rice during weekend batch cooking to speed up casserole assembly on busy weeknights.
• Fridge Storage Strategy: Transfer cooled casserole into airtight containers, keeping portions separate. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, adding 10-15 minutes to original cooking time.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm individual servings in microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 325 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Required For Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: Lean protein packed with essential nutrients, choose boneless skinless breasts for easy preparation.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds creamy texture and boosts protein content, select full-fat version for richer flavor.

• Broccoli: Nutrient-dense green vegetable providing crunch and vitamins, opt for fresh florets with bright green color.
• Onion Powder: Delivers subtle savory depth without chopping fresh onions.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich base for sauce, use high-quality options for enhanced taste.
• Chicken Broth: Creates smooth liquid foundation, low-sodium varieties recommended for better control of salt.
• Milk: Contributes to creamy consistency, whole milk works best for robust texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp tangy notes, freshly grated preferred over pre-packaged.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, sharp varieties offer more intense flavor.

• Brown Rice: Wholesome grain providing hearty base, choose quick-cooking variety for convenience.
• Breadcrumbs, Panko: Creates delightful crispy topping, preferably unseasoned for controlled seasoning.

• Garlic: Aromatic flavor booster, fresh minced garlic recommended over pre-minced.
• Paprika: Adds warm color and subtle smokiness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright finishing touch with fresh herbal notes.

Tools That Make Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Easy

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining chicken, broccoli, rice, and sauce thoroughly.
• Saucepan: Perfect for creating the creamy, flavorful sauce with garlic and spices.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal size for spreading and baking the entire casserole evenly.
• Whisk: Great tool for blending sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cutting board: Helpful for any additional chopping or preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for mixing and transferring ingredients.

How To Cook Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Oven Warm-Up

Crank the oven to a toasty 375 degrees. Grab your baking dish and give it a quick spray of non-stick magic.

• Sauce Symphony

In a saucepan, dance some olive oil around with garlic until it whispers delicious aromas. Pour in chicken broth, milk, and sprinkle in some flavor boosters. Whisk until silky smooth, then let it bubble gently. Stir in creamy Greek yogurt for an extra luxurious touch. Season with salt and pepper to make taste buds sing.

• Casserole Fusion

Combine your cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and brown rice in a big mixing bowl. Pour the dreamy sauce over everything and mix until each morsel is completely drenched in flavor.

• Cheese Crown

Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Blanket the top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar. For bonus crunch, dust some breadcrumbs across the surface.

• Baking Transformation

Slide the dish into the hot oven. Let it bubble and transform for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden landscape and the casserole looks irresistibly inviting.

• Serving Finale

Pull out your masterpiece and let it rest for a few minutes. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the comforting warmth of your creation.

Ideas To Modify Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Delicious Dish Enhancers
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace brown rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version that maintains the same creamy texture and flavor profile. This simple substitution reduces calories and adds extra vegetable nutrition.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this casserole ahead of time and store in individual portions. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven for best results.
• Protein Power Boost: Experiment with different proteins like turkey, shrimp, or tofu to create exciting variations. Each protein brings a unique flavor and nutritional twist to the classic recipe.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Use coconut milk instead of regular milk, nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan, and dairy-free cheese for toppings. These substitutions work wonderfully for those with lactose intolerance or following a vegan diet.
• Spice It Up: Add a kick of heat with red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños. These additions transform the casserole from comforting to exciting, giving each bite a memorable punch of flavor.

Wholesome Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic broccoli chicken casserole delivers comfort without compromise. Nutritious ingredients and simple preparation make this dish a satisfying meal for busy families and health-conscious eaters.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
• 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or light sour cream)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• ½ cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ½ cup whole-grain breadcrumbs or panko (optional, for topping)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preheating Preparation: Position oven rack at 375F (190C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Sauce Crafting: In a saucepan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Whisk in chicken broth, milk, onion powder, and paprika. Simmer while integrating Parmesan cheese, then remove from heat. Gently fold in Greek yogurt, creating a silky sauce. Season with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor complexity.
3. Ingredient Fusion: Combine cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and brown rice in a large mixing bowl. Pour prepared sauce over the ingredients, thoroughly coating each component to ensure maximum flavor integration.
4. Casserole Assembly: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Generously layer shredded cheddar cheese across the top. Sprinkle breadcrumbs or panko for a crisp, golden texture.
5. Baking and Finishing: Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and edges become golden brown. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve while piping hot.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Temperature: Use fully cooked, shredded chicken at 165°F to ensure food safety and prevent potential bacterial risks.
• Moisture Management: Control liquid content carefully to avoid soggy casserole; drain steamed broccoli completely before mixing to maintain ideal texture.
• Cheese Selection Strategy: Choose full-fat cheeses for richer flavor, but reduce quantity for lighter versions; low-moisture mozzarella works wonderfully as alternative melting cheese.
• Dietary Adaptation Techniques: Swap brown rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly option, and substitute dairy-free cheese alternatives for vegan preference.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg