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Cheesy Easy Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Easy Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole, Dinner
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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 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

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Medium saucepan
  • Small Bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. 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.

Notes

Properly storing and reheating your Cheesy Easy Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe ensures you can enjoy its deliciousness for days.
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