Broccoli Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella
This Broccoli Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken and vibrant broccoli topped with a creamy layer of cream cheese and melted mozzarella. It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any family gathering.
- Author: Ruby
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- 500g chicken breast, diced
- 300g broccoli, cut into small florets
- 200g cream cheese (e.g., for cooking)
- 150g mozzarella, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or butter
- ½ cup chicken broth (preferably without additives)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian herbs
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Lightly grease a baking dish (approximately 20 x 20 cm) or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken to maintain tenderness. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Blanch Broccoli: In a separate pot, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Be careful not to overcook it, as it will lose its vibrant green color and crunch. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with the chicken broth, mustard (optional), and dried herbs until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The mixture should have a thick, creamy consistency that flows well over the other ingredients.
- Layer: Place the sautéed chicken pieces and blanched broccoli into the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring everything is well covered for a uniform flavor experience.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly over the casserole. This will create the delicious melted cheese crust that gives the dish its special appeal.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
- Cool: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will make cutting easier and allow the flavors to settle.
- Serve: Cut the casserole into portions and serve warm. You can complement it with a fresh side like rice or a green salad to complete the meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy. Use a non-stick baking dish to prevent sticking, and consider using a covered baking dish for even cheese melting.