chicken broccoli stuffing casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chicken broccoli stuffing casserole recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes, chicken broccoli stuffing casserole. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love. The recipe originated from my mother-in-law, who got it from her sister, and it’s been passed down through the generations. The first time I made it, I knew I had found a winner – the way the chicken and broccoli meld together with the savory stuffing is just magic.

My kids always ask for seconds, and even my picky eater of a husband can’t get enough of it. It’s a great recipe for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday dinner or just a weeknight meal. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal prep time.

Just throw all the ingredients into a casserole dish, pop it in the oven, and voila! You have a delicious, comforting meal that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. I’ve experimented with various variations over the years, but this classic recipe remains my go-to. The key to making this dish truly special is in the technique – don’t overmix the stuffing mixture or it’ll be too dense, and be sure to cook the chicken until it’s nice and tender.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to creating an unforgettable chicken broccoli stuffing casserole that your family will cherish for years to come. As I mentioned earlier, this recipe has been passed down through generations of my family. But what I love most about it is how adaptable it is – whether you’re serving a crowd or just feeding your immediate family, this casserole can easily scale up or down depending on your needs. And let me tell you, after years of making this dish for my loved ones, I’ve perfected the technique to ensure that every bite is pure perfection.

Now that we’ve covered where this recipe comes from and why I adore it so much, let’s talk about what makes this dish truly special – its taste! When you take that first bite of this chicken broccoli stuffing casserole, you’ll be greeted by an explosion of flavors: tender chicken breast cooked to perfection; fresh broccoli florets adding a delightful crunch; savory stuffing infused with herbs and spices; all wrapped up in a richly buttery sauce. One thing I want to emphasize is how versatile this recipe is – while traditionalists might say that chicken broccoli stuffing casserole is only suitable for special occasions like holidays or family gatherings (and don’t get me wrong – those are perfect times too!) , I’d argue that its appeal goes far beyond those events.

Lastly, before we dive into the nitty-gritty details of making this dish (which we’ll cover in just a moment), let me emphasize why this particular combination of flavors works so beautifully together: when you pair protein-rich chicken with nutrient-dense broccoli florets (additionally loaded with vitamins A and C), then top them off with an aromatic blend of herbs de Provence (basil thyme rosemary parsley oregano) & parmesan cheese… well then you have yourself not only an impressive showstopper but also an uncompromisingly delicious treat.

Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole

4.9 from 589 votes

A comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, broccoli, and savory stuffing, baked to golden perfection. This dish is a hearty and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time65 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Stuffing

4 cups cubed bread
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
1 tsp dried sage
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp butter

For the Chicken and Broccoli

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine cubed bread, chopped celery, chopped onion, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Mix well.
3Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then pour over the bread mixture and toss to combine.
Set aside.
4This will be the stuffing.
5Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot.
7Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
8Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
9In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the stuffing mixture evenly.
10Arrange the sliced chicken and broccoli florets over the stuffing.
11In a separate bowl, mix milk and chicken broth, then pour over the chicken and broccoli.
12Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
13Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the broccoli is tender.
14The top should be golden brown.
15Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
9×13-inch baking dish
Oven
Skillet
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can sauté the celery and onion before adding to the stuffing. This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.

This chicken broccoli stuffing casserole is a fantastic recipe to have on hand for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and can feed a crowd.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this casserole is always a good idea. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When reheating, you can either microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) until warmed through. This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes.

Add extra veggies or different types of cheese for a unique twist. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal with your loved ones.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole

Q: What type of chicken breasts should I use?

A: For optimal results, choose boneless skinless chicken breasts without any visible fat or connective tissue.

Q: Can I substitute other vegetables besides broccoli?

A: Feel free to experiment with different veggies like carrots zucchini green beans peas or even mushrooms if desired – however keep in mind some may alter cooking times slightly.

Q: How do I know if my casserole has reached the perfect doneness?

A: Check by inserting a meat thermometer into thickest part avoiding any bones; internal temperature should register at least 165°F (74°C).

Q: What if I don’t have bread crumbs?

A: Substitute crushed crackers breadcrumbs panko crumbs cornflakes or even crushed potato chips as alternatives.

Q: Can I prepare individual portions ahead of time?

A: Prepare individual portions up to 24 hours in advance but store separately until baking time.

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