Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
This cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole is the easiest way to turn leftover chicken into a creamy, comforting dinner. Made without rice or canned condensed soup, it features tender vegetables tossed in a silky, homemade cheese sauce that everyone will love.
Equipment
- cutting board
- large, nonstick saucepan
- 4 quart casserole dish OR 13 x 9 baking pan (well greased)
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup (½ stick) butter
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- dash ground pepper
- 12 oz evaporated milk
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz canned sodium-free carrot slices drained
- 3 cups precooked chicken cut into bite sized pieces
- 8 oz Colby Jack cheese shredded; divided
- 12 oz frozen broccoli florets defrosted and patted dry
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375℉.
- Melt butter in large saucepan. Add flour, onion powder, salt, curry powder, and pepper. Stir over low heat until a thin paste forms.
- Slowly add milk and chicken broth; blend until smooth. Add carrots. Cook and stir over medium heat until sauce begins to thicken.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the precooked chicken and 4 oz of the cheese. Blend until cheese is melted, then add broccoli. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture to casserole dish. Top with remaining 4 oz shredded cheese.
- Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes or until casserole is bubbling and slightly browned on top. Allow to stand 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
I like to make this cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole in a 5 quart, oven-safe nonstick saucepan. That way, I can use one pan for the entire recipe.
Allow to completely cool, then store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, add a splash or two of extra chicken broth to thin the sauce and break up clumps. Cover with foil and bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
For the creamiest, most velvety sauce, skip the pre-shredded bag and shred your cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in anti-caking agents that can make sauces grainy instead of smooth.
Nutrition
Calories: 437kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 32gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 875mgPotassium: 826mgFiber: 3gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 7440IUVitamin C: 55mgCalcium: 455mgIron: 1mg
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