Chicken Broccoli Casserole
This comforting casserole features tender shredded chicken and crisp-tender broccoli layered over a base of white rice. It's bound together with a creamy, savory sauce made from condensed soup, sour cream, and mayonnaise, then topped generously with melted Cheddar cheese. An easy, satisfying dish perfect for a family meal.
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- 1 Large Pot for poaching chicken
- 1 Medium Pot for blanching broccoli
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl for sauce preparation
- 1 Box Grater for Cheddar cheese
Ingredients
Main
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter for the baking dish
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium head broccoli cut into small florets
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- One 10-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 10 ounces Cheddar grated (about 2 1/2 cups)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
- Place the chicken in a large pot with water to cover. Add some salt, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook the chicken until tender, about 45 minutes. Drain the chicken, cover, and refrigerate until cool, or up to 24 hours. Shred.
- Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets, and boil until crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Spread the rice in an even layer in the baking dish. Make a second layer with the broccoli. In a large bowl, mix the chicken soup, the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, shredded chicken, half the Cheddar and some salt and pepper. Pour the mixture over the broccoli and top with the remaining Cheddar. Bake for 40 minutes; let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
1. For enhanced flavor, poach the chicken in quality chicken stock instead of just water. Once cooked, an ice bath can help stop the cooking process and make shredding easier. Alternatively, a rotisserie chicken can be used to save time.2. Ensure the broccoli is cooked until crisp-tender to maintain texture, avoiding mushiness. An ice bath after boiling can help preserve its vibrant green color.3. Use freshly grated sharp Cheddar for superior flavor and melt. A touch of Dijon mustard or a pinch of garlic powder in the sauce can add depth. Consider topping with crushed butter crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.