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Savory broccoli casserole with cream of chicken soup baked to perfection.

Comforting Broccoli Chicken Bake

This savory broccoli casserole, made with creamy chicken soup and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, is the perfect comforting weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 cups broccoli florets, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces Choose firm, bright-green florets.
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken Can use turkey, leftover roasted chicken, or rotisserie chicken.
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz) Use a good-quality condensed soup.
  • 1 cup sour cream Add tang to the dish; Greek yogurt can be a substitute.
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise Helps bind the casserole.
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother.
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped Sweat until translucent for added sweetness.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Should be minced fine or softened.
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted For mixing with breadcrumbs.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers Panko yields light crispness.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For greasing the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup milk (optional) For loosening the filling.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or oil.
  2. Blanch the broccoli in boiling salted water for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, then plunge into ice water and drain thoroughly.
  3. In a large bowl combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, 1 cup of cheddar, chopped onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika; stir until smooth. If the mixture seems thick, add up to 1/4 cup milk to loosen slightly.
  4. Fold the drained broccoli and cooked chicken into the sauce mixture until evenly coated.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the filling in an even layer.
  6. Mix the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter, then scatter evenly across the cheese layer.
Baking
  1. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
  2. For an extra-crisp crust, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end—watch closely to avoid burning.
  3. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Great for gatherings; it travels well and reheats beautifully. Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted baby potatoes.