Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is the perfect comfort food that brings together wholesome ingredients in a deliciously creamy dish. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep. With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich cheddar mushroom sauce, this casserole will quickly become a favorite at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This casserole comes together in just an hour, making it a great weeknight meal option.
Packed with Flavor: The creamy cheddar mushroom sauce elevates the dish, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste.
Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with broccoli and lean chicken, it’s a healthier choice compared to traditional casseroles.
Versatile Dish: You can easily adapt the recipe by swapping vegetables or using different types of pasta according to your preference.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—it’s just as delicious reheated!

Tools and Preparation

To make this casserole successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large stockpot
Sauté pan
9 x 13-inch baking dish
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Large stockpot: Ideal for cooking pasta and vegetables simultaneously, saving you time and dishes.
Sauté pan: Perfect for creating the creamy sauce with even heat distribution, ensuring everything cooks evenly.

Ingredients

This hearty Broccoli Chicken Casserole recipe is made with your choice of pasta, tender chicken and broccoli, and the most delicious creamy cheddar mushroom sauce. See notes above for possible ingredient variations too.

Ingredients:
– 8 ounces uncooked pasta (I used whole-wheat rotini)
– 1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets (about 1 pound of florets)
– 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
– 1 small white onion, thinly sliced
– 8 ounces baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, thinly sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 tablespoons flour
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
– 1 1/2 cups milk
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1/4 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
– 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
– 2 cups diced (or shredded) cooked chicken

How to Make Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First, preheat your oven to 400°F. This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.

Step 2: Cook Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a large stockpot filled with generously-salted boiling water to a boil.
Add the uncooked pasta and cook until al dente.
One minute before the pasta is done cooking, add the broccoli florets.
Drain both the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt butter or heat olive oil.
Add the sliced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
Next, add in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic; sauté for an additional 5 minutes until mushrooms are cooked through.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture; stir well for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in chicken or vegetable stock while stirring to eliminate clumps.
Add milk along with Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper; stir until combined.
Cook until simmering then remove from heat. Stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

In a large baking dish (9 x 13 inches), combine cooked pasta, broccoli, mushroom sauce, and diced chicken. Toss gently until everything is well mixed.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for about 15 minutes.
Remove from oven; sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.
Return to oven for another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Serve warm garnished with extra black pepper or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole!

How to Serve Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Serving Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is simple and versatile. This dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors. Below are some great serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a vibrant color and fresh flavor.
Chives: Chopped chives provide a mild onion flavor that complements the casserole beautifully.

Pair with a Salad

Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad can add a crunchy texture alongside the creamy casserole.

Add Bread on the Side

Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm rolls are ideal for a comforting addition to your meal.

Serve as a Leftover

Reheat for Lunch: This casserole makes excellent leftovers, simply reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.

How to Perfect Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

To achieve the best results with your Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your casserole turns out delicious every time.

Boldly season: Use spices like paprika or cayenne pepper to add depth to the flavor profile.
Choose quality ingredients: Fresh chicken and seasonal vegetables make a noticeable difference in taste.
Experiment with cheeses: Mixing different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda, can enhance creaminess.
Cook pasta al dente: This prevents it from becoming mushy during baking; it should still have some bite.
Layer ingredients well: Ensure even distribution of chicken, broccoli, and sauce for balanced flavor in each bite.

Best Side Dishes for Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Choosing the right side dishes can complement your Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole and create a satisfying meal. Here are some tasty options:

Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until tender adds color and nutrition.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing provides protein and fiber while keeping it healthy.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus offers a crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the casserole’s creaminess.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and brightness, balancing the richness of the dish.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs can serve as a hearty base alongside the casserole.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness and fun to your dinner table.
Crusty Baguette: Slices of crusty baguette make an excellent vehicle for enjoying every bit of sauce from the casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole to the next level.

Overcooking the pasta: This can result in mushy pasta in your casserole. Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Skipping the sauté step: Not cooking the onions and mushrooms enough can lead to a lack of flavor. Ensure you sauté them until they are tender and aromatic.
Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese may not melt well and could affect texture. Opt for a good-quality sharp cheddar for better flavor and creaminess.
Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning can lead to bland casserole. Always taste your sauce before mixing it with other ingredients, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Mixing cold chicken or cheese into a warm mixture can create uneven cooking. Ensure all components are at room temperature before combining.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Portion into freezer-safe containers.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Cover with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about making this Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole? Here are some common questions:

Can I use different vegetables in this casserole?

Yes! Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for variety.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version of the Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole, use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

What type of chicken should I use?

You can use cooked chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or even shredded turkey for this recipe.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to two days before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables and proteins. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Give it a try, and enjoy a wholesome dish that everyone will love!