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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheating Preparation: Position oven rack at 375F (190C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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