Save A comforting, cheesy casserole featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a golden cheddar topping—perfect for a cozy family dinner.
This was one of the first casseroles I ever made for my family, and it quickly became a favorite. The combination of creamy cheese, savory chicken, and bright broccoli is always a hit at our dinner table.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 2 large boneless, skinless (about 500 g), cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- Broccoli Florets: 2 cups (about 200 g) fresh
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1 ¼ cups (140 g), divided
- Sour Cream: ¾ cup (180 ml)
- Milk: ½ cup (120 ml)
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Ground Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Bread Crumbs: ½ cup (30 g) gluten-free or regular
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook Aromatics:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon of butter until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Cook Chicken:
- Add chicken cubes and cook, stirring, until just opaque (not fully cooked), about 4 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Mix Sauce:
- In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, 1 cup cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Fold in broccoli florets and the partially cooked chicken mixture until evenly combined.
- Fill Dish:
- Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake Casserole:
- Bake uncovered for 30 35 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Save Sharing this meal brings my family together, especially on busy evenings. There's nothing like gathering around the table for warm, cheesy comfort food.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or some steamed rice for a heartier plate.
Variations
Try swapping in cauliflower for the broccoli or adding a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the topping for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has approximately 430 calories, 27 g fat, 13 g carbohydrates, and 34 g protein.
Save Give this casserole a try whenever you need a comforting, fuss-free dinner. It's sure to become a new family favorite!
Kitchen Questions
- → Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, thaw and drain frozen broccoli before mixing to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
- → What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt works well as a lighter alternative, adding similar creaminess and tang.
- → How do I achieve a crispy topping?
Combine gluten-free or regular breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle atop the cheddar layer before baking.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain a gluten-free meal option.
- → What wine pairs well with this casserole?
A dry white wine like Chardonnay complements the cheesy and savory flavors nicely.