After a long day, say at work, the last thing you would want to much about will be an elaborate meal. And that is where this One-Pan Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole comes in! It is hearty, packed with flavor, and extremely quick to whip up using basic, healthy ingredients. In fact, the cheesy Ritz cracker topping provides a nice crunch to the dish. All set in close to 35 minutes, this dish is ideal for family dinners or meal planning in advance.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced into even cubes
- 3 cups broccoli cut in to florets (may be fresh or frozen)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup, (10 and a half ounces)
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups of rice that has been cooked (white or tan rice)
- Salt and black pepper for seasoning if desired
- 1 cup of cripsed up Ritz cracker bready things for decoration or further application.
How to make One-Pan Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole Using Only One Dish:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit which is about 175 degrees Celsius. This will make sure that the casserole is ready and goes straight into the oven the moment it is made.
2. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
Take a big bowl and add the diced cooked chicken, broccoli florets, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, chicken broth, and cooked rice. The Filling may be seasoned with salt and pepper if needed. Stir the mixture well so that all elements are combined and the filling is uniform.
3. Transfer to a Baking Dish:
Take a 9 by 13 inches (or a baking dish of a similar size) and grease it properly. Casserole Mixture is poured into it and the mixture is spread evenly into the bottom of the dish.
4. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the rest of the ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. After that, cover it with an even layer of crushed Ritz crackers which will bake into a nice golden crust.
5. Bake:
After that, place the dish in the hot oven and cook for 30-35 minutes, or cook until the internal temperature of the casserole reached is hot, the casserole is bubbling, and the cracker topping is brown in color.
6. Serve:
Make sure to let the casserole rest for about five minutes before cutting and serving it. Serve the dish while still warm and relish the mouth-watering combination of gooey cheese, soft tender chicken meat and crunchy broccoli all in one dish.
Tips & Variations:
Add Some Veggies: If you want to pack more vegetables, how about bell peppers, mushrooms, or cauliflower in the casserole mixture.
Spice It Up: Do you like heat? Then sprinkle on red pepper flakes or splash some hot sauce to make the dish spicy.
Use Different Cheeses: If you want the dish to have a taste of richness, instead of using just mozzarella, and cheddar, add some parmesan cheese to have a sharper flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Whenever this One-Pan Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole is prepared and plated, everyone digs in; proteins, vegetables, carbohydrates and an explosion of flavors all fit in it! It is convenient for those busy weeknights when you want to provide a hearty meal but do not want to labor on preparing it. And of course, since it only requires one pan, you do not have to worry about cleaning up. Whether it is the family or a group of friends for whom you are cooking, this casserole is sure to please!
Final Thoughts:
For those seeking a fast and flavour filled meal for the family, this casserole dish is the recipe that needs to be in your culinary arsenal cooked time and time again. It comes together with basic kitchen staples and simple processes to provide a smooth creamy, cheesy and crunchy dish all at once. Go ahead and make this dish, and be sure to give it your own special touch by throwing in some of your personal favourite ingredients!