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A close-up spoon scoop of cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole, showing the creamy sauce and tender ingredients.
FL Recipes

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Meal

The ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Casserole recipe! This creamy, cheesy, and easy-to-make dish features tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich homemade cheese sauce. A perfect one-pan dinner for any night of the week.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or cubed
  • 4 cups broccoli florets fresh
  • 8 oz penne pasta cooked al dente
  • 4 tbsp butter unsalted
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2.5 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • 1 Large Saucepan
  • 1 Large Bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta to al dente according to package directions. Blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. Drain pasta and broccoli well.
  2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens, stirring often. Remove from heat and stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, and shredded chicken. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is well-coated.
  4. Transfer the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and the mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden.
  5. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set for easier serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalProtein: 28gFat: 25gFiber: 3g

Notes

For the best texture, use fresh broccoli and shred your own cheese from a block.
A rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for the cooked chicken.
Ensure you don't overcook the pasta initially, as it will soften more during baking.
Keyword cheesy chicken casserole,chicken and broccoli casserole,easy dinner recipe

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