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Broccoli and Chicken Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 117 reviews

This Broccoli and Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines steamed broccoli, tender cooked chicken, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked under a golden crescent roll crust. It’s perfect for a wholesome family dinner and uses simple ingredients to create a flavorful, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 cup carrots (diced)
  • 1 cup white onion (diced)
  • 4 cups steamed broccoli florets (make sure they are steamed, or use frozen defrosted broccoli with all water drained out)
  • 2 scallions (chopped)

Dairy & Fats

  • 2 tablespoons light butter (I used: I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, Light)
  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • 1 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese (shredded)

Protein

  • 4 cups chopped cooked chicken breast (I used a rotisserie chicken)

Pantry & Seasonings

  • Olive oil spray
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (if using reduced sodium, you might have to add more salt to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Baking

  • Half of an 8 oz package of reduced fat crescent rolls (4 rolls)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole later.
  2. Melt Butter: Melt the light butter in an oven-proof pan over medium heat. Using an oven-proof dish like a shallow Dutch oven or cast iron pan helps minimize cleanup.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add diced carrots and white onion to the pan. Sauté them for 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and begin to brown, developing flavor.
  4. Add Flour: Spray the pan lightly with olive oil spray, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetables.
  5. Cook Flour Mixture: Stir the flour to combine it thoroughly with the veggies and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  6. Add Broth: Gradually pour in 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a simmer so it thickens slightly and forms a base for the sauce.
  7. Incorporate Milk: Stir in 1 cup of 2% milk and let the mixture simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until fully combined and creamy.
  8. Season Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon each of kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
  9. Add Cheese: Mix in 1 cup of shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens but remains smooth.
  10. Add Scallions: Fold in chopped scallions for a fresh oniony bite that complements the dish.
  11. Combine Broccoli and Chicken: Stir in the steamed broccoli florets and chopped cooked chicken, making sure everything is coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
  12. Distribute Evenly: Ensure that every piece of broccoli and chicken is coated and distributed uniformly across the pan for consistent flavor in every bite.
  13. Transfer if Needed: If your current pan is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture into a suitable baking dish to prepare for baking.
  14. Add Crescent Roll Topping: Cover the filling evenly with half the package (4 rolls) of reduced fat crescent rolls. Spray the top lightly with olive oil spray and sprinkle a small amount of kosher salt over the dough.
  15. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the crescent roll topping is golden brown and cooked through. Since the filling is already cooked, bake until the crust is done to your preference.

Notes

  • Using steamed broccoli ensures the vegetable is tender without releasing excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy.
  • If using low sodium broth, taste and adjust salt as needed before adding cheese for the best flavor balance.
  • For an extra crispy crust, you can broil the crescent roll topping for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • If you prefer, substitute the crescent rolls with biscuit dough or puff pastry for a different topping texture.
  • This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from the fridge to the oven.

Keywords: broccoli chicken casserole, healthy casserole, easy weeknight dinner, creamy chicken broccoli bake, crescent roll casserole

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/broccoli-and-chicken-casserole-recipe/