Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole
When our daughters were living at home, this dish was a mainstay in my kitchen due to its simplicity and deliciousness. I'm talking about the Broccoli Cheese Casserole, a hearty and savory meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It's a dish that satisfies those cravings for comfort food while providing a great way to sneak in some greens for the family. With a combination of tender chicken tenderloins, creamy cheddar cheese, and nutritious broccoli, this casserole is baked over a blend of rice and pasta, creating a meal that's both well-rounded and indulgent.Best of all: by using some store-bought items and combining them with ingredients from scratch, you get a time-saving menu that's sure to be a hit. Plus, you're making this in one dish. So, it's easier to clean up.Finally, whenever possible, I've linked to store-bought ingredients if they are brand-specific. These links are called affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission when you click through these links to shop. There is absolutely no cost to you for using our links.
Equipment
- 1 9x13 baking dish ceramic or glass. We use glass.
Ingredients
- 14 ounces chicken broth organic or low-sodium is fine
- 10 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 11 ounces Knorr cheddar broccoli rice and pasta blend Knorr sells these in 5.7-ounce bags as a side. So you'll need two.
- 1 pound chopped broccoli fresh or frozen
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning we use McCormick Old Bay Seasoning in place of a Cajun seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley this is an optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°
- Add chicken broth and cream of chicken soup to a 9x13 baking dish.
- Whisk until combined.
- Add both bags of Knorrs cheddar broccoli rice and pasta blend.
- Stir rice and pasta blend until it is completely coated with broth/soup mixture.
- Add chopped broccoli and mix well.
- Mix spices together and rub on chicken, coating both sides.
- Add chicken to baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheese over the entire dish until it is completely covered.
- Cover baking dish with foil and place in the oven.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- After plating, top with parsley, if so desired.
Notes
- Knorr sells these in 5.7-ounce bags as a side. So you'll need two. Also, even though there is broccoli in this store-bought mix, you should still add fresh or frozen broccoli.
- You can substitute boneless chicken breasts or boneless thighs if you find them on sale at the supermarket.
- We use McCormick Old Bay Seasoning in place of a Cajun seasoning.
- I like store-bought finely shredded cheddar cheese because I find it easier to work with than the "regular" shredded cheese.
Nutrition
Calories: 804kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 66gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 201mgSodium: 2332mgPotassium: 1173mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2863IUVitamin C: 113mgCalcium: 689mgIron: 3mg
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values, if included with the recipe, are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability/substitution and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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