When I was a child, my mom used to make a dish that my siblings and I always looked forward to. It was a creamy, cheesy, and delicious chicken and broccoli casserole. Whenever we had family gatherings or when neighbors came over, this dish was a staple on our dining table. It was not only loved by us kids but also by the adults. My mom shared the recipe with our neighbors, and soon it became a favorite in our community. Fast forward to today, and it’s a dish I frequently prepare for my own family. It’s the perfect comfort food, and it brings back so many fond memories of my childhood.
How to Prepare Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients for Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
- 6 ounces of egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 1 medium-sized yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth
- 3/4 cup of milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 5 cups of cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1 package (10 ounces) of chopped frozen broccoli, thawed
- 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of shredded Provolone cheese
Directions for Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
1. In a large pot of lightly salted water, bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Saute the onion until it is tender, which will take about 3 minutes. Mix in the flour and gradually add the chicken broth. Slowly add the milk, and cook while stirring until the sauce begins to thicken. Season it with salt and pepper.
3. Place the cooked noodles at the bottom of the casserole dish. Arrange the cooked chicken evenly over the noodles. Then place the broccoli over the chicken. Pour the sauce evenly over the broccoli. Combine the cheeses and sprinkle half over the casserole.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Allow it to set for 5 minutes, until the cheese melts.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Just make sure to chop it into small pieces and blanch it before adding it to the casserole.
Can I substitute the cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cheese. You can use any cheese that melts well like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before baking.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the casserole?
To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or peas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
I hope you enjoy making this Chicken and Broccoli Casserole as much as I do. It’s a comforting and delicious dish that will surely be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
- 6 ounces egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup milk
- salt and pepper to taste
- 5 cups cooked shredded chicken breast meat
- 1 10 ounce package chopped frozen broccoli, thawed
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until al dente; drain. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion until tender, about 3 minutes. Mix in flour. Gradually stir in chicken broth. Slowly stir in milk, and cook, stirring, until sauce begins to thicken. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place cooked noodles in the bottom of casserole dish. Arrange cooked chicken in an even layer over noodles. Place broccoli over the chicken. Pour sauce evenly over the broccoli. Combine cheeses, and sprinkle half over the casserole.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Remove from oven, and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Allow to set for 5 minutes, until cheese melts.
