Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole: A Comforting Family Dinner

If you're in need of a hearty and comforting meal that the whole family will love, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole. Packed with tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings and warm you up on a chilly evening. Let's dive into the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 3 cups broccoli florets, blanched
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli: If you haven't already, cook the chicken breasts until they are fully cooked through, then shred them into bite-sized pieces. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Casserole: Place the shredded chicken and blanched broccoli florets in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil over the top, then pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli. Sprinkle the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake the Casserole: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Tips:

• Feel free to add other vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the casserole for extra flavour and nutrition.
• You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time in preparing this dish.
• For a crunchy topping, sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.

With its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and savoury flavours, this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole is sure to become a family favourite. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.