Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Delight
This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that will leave everyone asking for seconds. A classic dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s simple to prepare with pantry staples and will bring smiles to both kids and adults alike. The crispy French fried onion topping adds the perfect crunch, making this casserole a crowd-pleaser.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
4 (cut into small pieces)
frozen broccoli
1 bag (thawed)
cream of celery soup
1 can (none)
cream of mushroom soup
1 can (none)
mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
shredded cheddar cheese
2-3 cups (none)
French fried onion rings
1 can (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken pieces until fully cooked, seasoning with salt, pepper, or any spices of your choice.
3
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom soup, and mayonnaise until well combined.
4
Spread the thawed broccoli evenly in a rectangular casserole dish.
5
Layer the cooked chicken pieces evenly over the broccoli.
6
Pour the creamy soup mixture over the chicken, spreading it evenly to cover all the ingredients.
7
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onion rings on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are golden and crunchy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Delight?
It is a comfort food dish that combines tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, finished with a crispy French fried onion topping.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How much chicken is required for this casserole?
You will need 4 chicken breasts, cut into small pieces.
Do I need to cook the chicken before putting it in the oven?
Yes, you should cook the chicken pieces in a skillet over medium heat until they are fully cooked before assembling the casserole.
What type of broccoli should I use?
The recipe calls for one bag of frozen broccoli that has been thawed.
What ingredients make up the creamy sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of one can of cream of celery soup, one can of cream of mushroom soup, and one cup of mayonnaise.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Shredded cheddar cheese is used for this recipe, specifically 2 to 3 cups.
What provides the crunchy topping for the casserole?
One can of French fried onion rings is added at the end of the baking process for crunch.
What is the first step in assembling the casserole?
Start by spreading the thawed broccoli evenly in a rectangular casserole dish.
How do I layer the ingredients?
Layer the broccoli first, followed by the cooked chicken, then the creamy soup mixture, and finally the shredded cheddar cheese.
How long does the casserole bake initially?
Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
When do I add the French fried onion rings?
Add them after the initial 30-35 minutes of baking, then return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes.
Can I season the chicken?
Yes, you can season the chicken with salt, pepper, or any spices of your choice while cooking it in the skillet.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a kid-friendly family dinner that is perfect for busy weeknights.
What makes this dish ultimate comfort food?
The combination of creamy soups, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy onions creates a satisfying and classic comfort meal.
Is mayonnaise necessary for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of mayonnaise to add creaminess and flavor to the soup mixture.
What type of baking dish should I use?
A rectangular casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
While the recipe specifies frozen thawed broccoli, fresh steamed broccoli can likely be substituted.
How do I know the casserole is finished cooking?
The casserole is done when the cheese is bubbly and the onion topping is golden and crunchy.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken, casserole, broccoli, cheese, comfort food, quick meal, family dinner, kid-friendly, and baked casserole.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is designed for busy weeknights and uses pantry staples for simplicity.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
Yes, the broccoli provides a nutritious source of fiber in this dish.
Can I use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of celery?
The recipe specifically calls for cream of celery and cream of mushroom, but similar cream soups can often be substituted.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breasts should be cut into small pieces before being cooked in a skillet.
Should the broccoli be drained after thawing?
Yes, it is best to ensure thawed broccoli is not holding excess water to prevent a watery casserole.
Is this dish baked or stovetop?
This is a baked casserole dish.
How much cheese should I sprinkle on top?
Sprinkle the cheese generously, using approximately 2 to 3 cups of shredded cheddar.
What color should the onions be when finished?
The French fried onions should be golden and crunchy after the final 5 minutes of baking.
Does the recipe require many ingredients?
No, it is a simple 7-ingredient recipe using mainly pantry staples.