Chicken Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole Recipe

Chicken: Cooked and shredded, this forms the protein base of the casserole.

Broccoli: Steamed florets add a nutritious and colorful element to the dish.

Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheese provides a rich, creamy flavor.

Cream of chicken soup: This canned soup creates a creamy, savory base for the casserole.

Milk: Helps to thin out the soup and create a smooth mixture.

Breadcrumbs: Mixed with butter, these create a crunchy topping.

Butter: Melted and combined with breadcrumbs for the topping.

When preparing the broccoli, make sure to steam it until it is just tender but still bright green. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture and a dull color in your casserole. To achieve this, steam the broccoli florets for about 4-5 minutes and then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This technique helps maintain the broccoli's vibrant color and crisp-tender texture, enhancing the overall appeal and flavor of your dish.

• cooked chicken - Substitute with cooked turkey: Turkey has a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken, making it a great alternative.

• broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower provides a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, just like broccoli.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and has a mild flavor that complements many dishes.

• cream of chicken soup - Substitute with cream of mushroom soup: Cream of mushroom soup offers a similar creamy consistency and a rich, savory flavor.

• milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk provides a similar texture and can be used in cooking without altering the flavor significantly.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes offer a similar crunchy texture and can be used as a topping for casseroles.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a similar richness and can be used to achieve a similar texture in the dish.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the breadcrumbs topping soggy.
• For short-term storage, transfer the casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• If you plan to freeze the casserole, portion it into individual servings. This makes reheating easier and more convenient.
• Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
• For reheating from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to crisp up the breadcrumbs topping.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions. Place the casserole in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Always check the internal temperature of the casserole to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) before serving.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken broccoli and cheddar casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the breadcrumbs from burning.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want to crisp up the top layer.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir the casserole halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until the casserole is hot.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover casserole to the skillet, breaking it up slightly to ensure even heating.
  4. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Ensure the casserole is heated through before serving.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover casserole in an air fryer-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the breadcrumbs from burning.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 3-5 minutes to crisp up the top layer.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at the specified temperature until it is golden brown and heated through.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, and milk.

• Baking dish: A dish to transfer the mixed ingredients into and spread out evenly before baking.

• Small bowl: Used to mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the milk, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients.

• Wooden spoon: Useful for mixing the ingredients together in the mixing bowl.

• Steamer: Used to steam the broccoli florets until they are tender.

• Knife: Necessary for shredding the cooked chicken if it is not pre-shredded.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for shredding the cooked chicken.

• Cheese grater: Used to shred the cheddar cheese if it is not pre-shredded.

• Measuring spoons: Needed to measure the melted butter accurately.

• Spatula: Helps in spreading the mixture evenly in the baking dish and scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when placing the baking dish in the oven and removing it once the casserole is done.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store instead of cooking and shredding your own.

Frozen broccoli: Opt for frozen broccoli florets which can be steamed quickly in the microwave.

Pre-shredded cheese: Purchase pre-shredded cheddar cheese to eliminate the need for grating.

One-pot cooking: Mix all ingredients in the same pot used for steaming the broccoli to reduce cleanup time.

Quick breadcrumbs: Use store-bought breadcrumbs to avoid making your own from scratch.