Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Cheesy Easy Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe, a comforting and wholesome dish that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious. This recipe offers a satisfying meal without the fuss, making it a go-to solution for busy families seeking a nutritious and flavorful option.
Key Ingredients for Cheesy Easy Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!)
- 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup low-fat milk (or unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup light cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for toasting breadcrumbs)
How to Make Cheesy Easy Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Easy Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe is a true testament to simple, satisfying cooking. In under an hour, you can create a creamy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful casserole packed with protein and vegetables. The magic lies in the quick, no-fuss sauce that coats tender chicken and crisp broccoli, all baked to golden perfection. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights, offering a comforting meal that feels indulgent yet remains wholesome.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
- Cook Broccoli (if using fresh): If you are using fresh broccoli, blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until it’s bright green and slightly tender-crisp. If using frozen broccoli, you can skip this step as it will cook in the oven. Drain any excess water from the blanched broccoli.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the low-fat milk, softened light cream cheese, and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken and broccoli florets to the saucepan with the creamy sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Incorporate Cheese: Reserve about 1/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese for topping. Add the remaining 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thick and well-combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Topping (Optional): If you’re using breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping, toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake until Golden and Bubbly: Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are actively simmering.
- Let it Rest: Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Easy Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe
You’ll adore this Cheesy Easy Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe for its incredibly comforting and cheesy flavor profile, achieved with lighter ingredients. Unlike traditional casseroles that can be heavy, this version uses light cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar to deliver that satisfyingly rich taste without the guilt. It’s a budget-friendly marvel, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet-feeling meal that’s significantly cheaper than dining out or buying pre-made dishes, ensuring your wallet stays happy as your taste buds.
The magic truly lies in the perfect balance of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and the luxurious, velvety sauce that blankets every bite. Imagine the delightful contrast of creamy sauce with the subtle bite of fresh broccoli and savory chicken, all crowned with a hint of toasted breadcrumbs if you choose, bringing a delightful crunch. This is a healthier take on a beloved comfort food, making those familiar flavors accessible for more frequent enjoyment. So, ditch the takeout menus and give this scrumptious and wholesome casserole a try tonight!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Properly storing and reheating your Cheesy Easy Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe ensures you can enjoy its deliciousness for days.
- Refrigeration: Once cooled to room temperature, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating:
- Oven: The best method for reheating is in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Place a portion of the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it loosely with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want to re-crisp the topping.
- Microwave: For a quicker reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Be aware that the texture might be slightly less cohesive than oven-reheated.
- Freezing: This casserole also freezes beautifully for future meals.
- Preparation: Portion the cooled casserole into individual freezer-safe containers or wrap entire portions tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Storage: Properly sealed, frozen casserole will maintain quality for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the oven or microwave methods described above. You can also reheat directly from frozen in the oven, but it will take longer (approximately 45-60 minutes, covered).
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Easy Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe is a weeknight wonder that delivers on comfort, flavor, and health. It’s incredibly adaptable and a fantastic way to get more vegetables and lean protein onto your table with minimal effort. Give this recipe a try and prepare to be delighted by how easy and delicious healthy eating can be!
Cheesy Easy Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
- If you are using fresh broccoli, blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until it’s bright green and slightly tender-crisp. If using frozen broccoli, you can skip this step as it will cook in the oven. Drain any excess water from the blanched broccoli.4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the low-fat milk, softened light cream cheese, and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.1 cup low-fat milk, 1/2 cup light cream cheese, softened, 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Add the cooked chicken and broccoli florets to the saucepan with the creamy sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced, 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- Reserve about 1/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese for topping. Add the remaining 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thick and well-combined.1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- If you’re using breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping, toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are actively simmering.
- Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly.