This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that brings all the classic flavors you love while keeping things lighter. Made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy sauce, it’s a wholesome family favorite perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Twist: This recipe swaps out heavy ingredients for lighter options, keeping the flavor without compromising on health.
- Family-Friendly: A dish loved by kids and adults alike, perfect for picky eaters.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and pantry staples make this casserole a breeze to prepare.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Low-fat cream cheese
- Greek yogurt
- Reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Chicken broth
- Whole wheat pasta or brown rice
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Preheat the ovenย to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder. Sear in a skillet until golden and fully cooked, then shred or dice.
- Prepare the broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli until tender-crisp.
- Cook the pasta or riceย according to package instructions, and drain.
- Make the sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together chicken broth, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Combine everything: In a large bowl, mix the chicken, broccoli, pasta or rice, and sauce. Transfer to the greased baking dish.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20โ25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or rice and ensure the broth is gluten-free.
- Keto-Friendly: Swap pasta or rice for cauliflower rice.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a nutrient boost.
- Spicy Twist: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350ยฐF until heated through.
- Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
FAQs
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese, yogurt, and cheese alternatives for a completely dairy-free version.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the casserole.
Whatโs the best way to shred chicken?
Use two forks to shred cooked chicken breasts, or save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni works well, as it holds the sauce nicely.
How can I make the casserole creamier?
Add an extra dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of milk to the sauce for a creamier texture.
Can I skip the cheese topping?
You can omit it or use a lighter sprinkling if you want to cut back on calories.
What protein alternatives can I use?
Try turkey, lean pork, or even shrimp for a unique twist.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Ensure the sauce covers all ingredients well, and avoid overbaking.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. For best results, bake it fresh after thawing.
Conclusion
Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that doesnโt compromise on taste or nutrition. With its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and hearty ingredients, itโs sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Customize it to your liking, enjoy it fresh or reheated, and savor every bite of this wholesome comfort food classic!
PrintHealthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a comforting and nutritious dish that’s perfect for family dinners. It’s made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and whole-grain pasta, all enveloped in a creamy cheddar mushroom sauce. This recipe avoids canned soups and instead uses wholesome ingredients for a lighter yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole-wheat rotini or your choice of pasta
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets (about 1 pound)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small white onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 1/2 cups low-fat milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:ย Set your oven to 400ยฐF (204ยฐC).
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli:ย Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. About 1 minute before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain both the pasta and broccoli, and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce:ย In a large sautรฉ pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Sautรฉ the onion for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add the mushrooms and garlic, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring constantly for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the stock, stirring to dissolve any lumps. Add the milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches a simmer and thickens. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients:ย In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix together the cooked pasta, broccoli, diced chicken, and the creamy mushroom sauce until everything is evenly coated.
- Bake:ย Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:ย Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthier broccoli chicken casserole!
Notes
- Feel free to use gluten-free pasta and flour if needed.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable stock.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
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