Description
A classic, creamy baked casserole featuring tender chicken and broccoli in a rich, homemade cheese sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon curry powder (optional, for classic flavor)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Blanch the broccoli: Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Drain immediately and set aside.
- Make the cream sauce: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and curry powder (if using). Add the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, stirring until the cheese melts completely into a smooth sauce.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the shredded chicken, blanched broccoli, and the cheese sauce. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly throughout. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a quicker meal, use rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken requirement.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, increase the milk by 1/4 cup.
- You can substitute frozen broccoli for fresh, but do not thaw it before blanching.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 110