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Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 46 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Chicken Broccoli Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole perfect for a hearty family meal. Tender chicken and fresh broccoli are enveloped in a creamy sauce made with sour cream and cream of chicken soup, then topped with shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and crunchy crushed Ritz crackers. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish combines simple ingredients into a deliciously satisfying bake.

Ingredients

Chicken and Vegetables

  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce

  • 1 can cream of chicken soup (about 10.5 oz)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the chicken breasts completely by your preferred method and chop them into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are tender and ready for the bake.
  2. Steam the Broccoli: Steam the fresh broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. This helps retain their bright color and slight crunch.
  3. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  4. Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth and well incorporated.
  5. Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
  6. Assemble the Bake: In the prepared baking dish, layer the steamed broccoli evenly, followed by the chopped chicken pieces, creating a uniform base.
  7. Pour the Sauce: Evenly pour the creamy sauce over the layered broccoli and chicken, ensuring good coverage over all the ingredients.
  8. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce layer evenly for a rich and flavorful topping.
  9. Add the Crunchy Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers finely and sprinkle them evenly over the cheese layer. This adds a delightful crunchy texture after baking.
  10. Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Bake until the casserole is golden brown on top and bubbling around the edges, indicating it’s fully heated through.

Notes

  • You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Steaming broccoli prevents it from overcooking during the bake and keeps it vibrant.
  • If you want a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.
  • The dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers or omit the cracker topping.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/creamy-chicken-broccoli-casserole-with-cheddar-and-ritz-cracker-topping-recipe/