Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
This recipe creates a comforting chicken casserole using convenient pre-cooked BBQ chicken, blended with a creamy sauce, aromatic curry powder, and a cheesy topping. It's a quick, hearty meal perfect for a family dinner that comes together with minimal fuss.
Equipment
- 1 Baking Dish 9x13 inch (approx. 23x33 cm) casserole dish
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Spatula or wooden spoon For mixing ingredients
- 1 Measuring Spoons For spices
- 1 Chef's Knife and Cutting Board For preparing chicken and spring onions
Ingredients
Main
- 1 Med BBQ chicken
- 1 440 g tin cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
- 1 300 ml sour cream
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 4 spring onions chopped
- 1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon approx salt
- 1/2-3/4 teaspoons cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated tasty cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon approx paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it is ready for baking.
- Carefully shred the pre-cooked BBQ chicken, discarding the skin and bones. Aim for bite-sized pieces.
- Wash and finely chop the spring onions, setting aside a small amount for garnish if desired.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken (or mushroom) soup, sour cream, curry powder, salt, and cracked black pepper. Whisk or stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Add the shredded chicken and chopped spring onions to the bowl with the creamy mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Pour the entire mixture into a suitable baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Evenly sprinkle the grated tasty cheese over the top of the casserole mixture.
- Lightly dust the surface with paprika for both color and a subtle smoky flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges, heated through, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.
Notes
The recipe's title, 'Chicken and Broccoli Casserole,' implies broccoli, yet it's absent from the ingredients. For a complete dish, I recommend adding 2 cups of lightly steamed or blanched broccoli florets to the mix in Step 5. For enhanced flavor, lightly sauté the chopped spring onions before incorporating them into the soup mixture. Feel free to adjust the curry powder to your preference, and consider adding a dash of garlic powder for depth. Ensure the BBQ chicken is thoroughly shredded for even distribution. Monitor baking time to prevent drying out; the casserole should be bubbly and golden. A mix of cheeses, like sharp cheddar and Gruyere, would add complexity. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley for presentation.