Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe

When you're whipping up a comforting dish like healthier broccoli chicken casserole, it's smart to think about what complements it well. This casserole is rich and creamy with plenty of fresh veggies, so balancing it out with lighter sides can create a delightful meal.

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 50

Total Time: 1

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe

Servings:

Calories: 313kcal

Equipment

large skillet
Mixing bowl

Ingredients

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken stock
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
½ cup sour cream
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
2 –3 cups fresh broccoli florets
10.5 oz can condensed cream of chicken soup
¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 ¼ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
1 tsp Italian herb blend
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
2 Tbsp melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the broccoli into florets and dice the chicken if you are using raw breasts. Having everything prepped makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season it with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. If you're using rotisserie chicken, skip this step and shred the chicken instead.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, chicken stock, whole milk, cream of chicken soup, and Italian herb blend. Stir until well blended. This will be your creamy sauce!

Step 4: Combine with Other Ingredients

In the skillet with the chicken, add the cooked rice, broccoli florets, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the sauce over the chicken and rice mixture, stirring gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the casserole mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.

Step 6: Add Toppings

In a separate bowl, combine crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole, adding a delightful crunch on top.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Notes

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli not only tastes better but also retains more nutrients compared to frozen varieties.
Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to add more paprika or even some red pepper flakes if you want a kick!
Storage: If you’re making this ahead of time, allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Experiment with Cheese: Swap out cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Add More Veggies: Sneak in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas for added nutrition and color.

Nutrition

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