Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

1. Lightly steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are just tender and bright green. This helps ensure that the broccoli retains its texture and doesn’t become overly soft in the casserole.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until well combined.
2. Add the cooked chicken and broccoli to the mixture, stirring until everything is well coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Layer and Top with Cheese

1. Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
2. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top, covering the casserole generously. The cheese will create a deliciously gooey and golden top when baked.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
2. For an extra crispy cheese topping, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of rice, pasta, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

• Swap the Soup: For a different flavor, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, consider adding a topping of crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs before baking. Simply mix the crumbs with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole for a crispy, golden finish.
• Use Frozen Broccoli: If you don’t have fresh broccoli, you can use frozen florets. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
• Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for different flavors.