There’s something incredibly comforting and heartwarming about a good casserole, especially when it’s cold outside. And trust me, this Chicken, Broccoli and Cheese Casserole is the epitome of comfort food! With its rich, creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, it’s a dish that’s sure to warm your heart and your stomach. This recipe has been a family favorite in my home for years, and I’m so excited to share it with you today. It’s simple to make, yet it’s packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for a cozy dinner at home. Plus, it’s a great way to get some veggies in, thanks to the broccoli! Trust me, once you try this casserole, it will become a staple in your home too. So, why do I love this recipe so much? Well, aside from the fact that it’s delicious, it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute the chicken for turkey or the broccoli for cauliflower, depending on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover chicken or veggies you have in your fridge. So, without further ado, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 2 bunches fresh broccoli
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 1 can broccoli and cheese soup
- 1/2 can milk
- 1 lb. mild Cheddar cheese
Baking Instructions
- Boil chicken breast off of bone; salt and pepper.
- Remove skin.
- Boil broccoli in 1/2 cup of water 2 minutes and drain. Cube chicken; mix broccoli, cheese soup and milk together.
- Pour in bottom of dish.
- Put drained broccoli on top of chicken mixture.
- Add finely grated cheese on top.
- Bake in a 350° oven until cheese melts.
Calorie: 500
Total cooking time: 1 hour
Difficulty level: Easy
The Chronicles of Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheese
Once upon a time, in the humble confines of my kitchen, I decided to take on a culinary challenge. The goal was simple, yet daunting: to create the perfect chicken, broccoli, and cheese casserole.
A Hero’s Shopping List
To accomplish this feat, I needed a few key items: 2 bunches of fresh broccoli, 4 large chicken breasts (no puny poultry, mind you), 1 can of broccoli and cheese soup (because more broccoli, more fun), 1/2 a can of milk, and a whopping pound of mild Cheddar cheese. With this list in hand, I ventured forth to the supermarket and wrestled the ingredients from the wild, bustling aisles.
Boiling the Beast
Back at home, I set about boiling the chicken breasts. This is a delicate process, akin to taming a wild beast. The chicken must be boiled just right, else it becomes a rubbery monstrosity. The water roared and bubbled as I carefully lowered the chicken into its warm bath, seasoning it with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Once the chicken was suitably tender, I banished the skin to the trash can.
The Broccoli Ballet
Next came the broccoli. Ah, fresh broccoli. It’s green, it’s vibrant, and it’s a pain to cook just right. I boiled the broccoli in 1/2 cup of water for exactly 2 minutes, performing a delicate ballet with the stove timer. After a quick drain, the broccoli was ready for the next step.
The Mixing Melange
With the chicken and broccoli prepared, it was time to mix in the soup and milk. I cubed the chicken and tossed it into a bowl with the broccoli, then poured in the soup and milk. The result looked like a sort of creamy, chunky soup, with a tantalizing aroma that made my stomach rumble.
Layering like a Lasagna
Following this, I poured the mixture into the bottom of a dish and spread the drained broccoli on top. It was like building a lasagna, only instead of pasta and meat, it was chicken and broccoli. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it.
Cheese, Glorious Cheese
The final step was to add the Cheddar cheese. And I mean a lot of cheese. A pound of it, finely grated and spread over the top of the casserole. I stood back to admire my work, feeling like a sculptor who had just completed a masterpiece.
Baking Bliss
Into the 350° oven it went, the cheese slowly melting and bubbling to form a golden-brown crust. My kitchen filled with the mouth-watering aroma of the chicken, broccoli, and cheese casserole, a scent that can only be described as pure, unadulterated comfort.
The Verdict
In the end, the casserole was a resounding success. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, with the tender chicken, the crisp broccoli, and the gooey cheese all coming together in a glorious harmony. My taste buds were in heaven.
So there you have it, folks. The tale of the chicken, broccoli, and cheese casserole. It’s a journey, a battle, and a labor of love, all rolled into one delicious dish. Until next time, happy cooking!
