The Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a popular recipe that has won commendation in cooking contests. It is a delicious and comforting plate that combines the flavors of broccoli, chicken, and a creamy sauce, all baked together in a casserole plate.
Here is a basic recipe for making Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole:
| Ingredients: |
| 2 cups cooked chicken that has been cut or shredded |
| 2 cups of lightly blanched or steam-cooked broccoli florets |
| 1 can shorten cream of chicken soup |
| 1/2 cup mayonnaise |
| 1/2 cup unpleasant cream |
| 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese |
| 1/2 mug grated Parmesan cheese |
| 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder |
| 1/2 teaspoon onion powder |
| 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme |
| Salt and pepper to taste |
| 1 mug breadcrumbs |
Here is a step-by-step recipe for making Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole:
Instructions:
Step1: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a casserole plate.
Step2: In a large bowl, enhance the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, bitter cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix competently.
Step3: Add the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli to the bowl, and shakeup until the ingredients are evenly coated gone the sauce.
Step4: Spread out the joint equally as you transfer it to the casserole dish that has been buttered.
Step5: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs detached than the top of the casserole.
Step6: Bake in the preheated oven for very roughly 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is irritated through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Step7: Remove from the oven and agree to it unapproachable for a few minutes in the back serving.
Nutritional value of Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole:
Here’s an estimated nutritional investigation per serving (assuming the recipe serves 6):
| Nutritional values per serving: |
| Calories: Around 400-450 calories |
| Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams |
| Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25 grams |
| Fat: Around 25-30 grams |
| Fiber: Approximately 2-4 grams |
| Sodium: Around 900-1100 milligrams |
Background History of Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole:
Casseroles are a type of plate that typically consists of various ingredients layered or mixed together and baked in a single plate. They have been a popular staple in many cuisines re the world for centuries. The term “casserole” itself originated from the French word “cases,” which refers to a large, deep plate.
The concept of casseroles evolved as a mannerism to include swing ingredients in one pot or plate, making them convenient for cooking and serving. They were particularly popular during the 20th century taking into account convenience and efficiency became important in quarters cooking.
The specific assimilation of broccoli, chicken, and creamy sauce in a casserole is a considering ease-liked variation that has likely been adapted and modified by dwelling cooks on zenith of grow antiquated. The combination of broccoli provides a nutritious vegetable component, even though the chicken adds protein. The creamy sauce often made bearing in mind edited soup, mayonnaise, or acid cream helps bind the ingredients together and ads tell.
Advantages and disadvantages of Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole:
| Advantages of Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole: |
| Flavorful and sociable: The combination of broccoli, chicken, and creamy sauce in a casserole creates a enthralling and comforting plate that is enjoyed by many. The flavors union ably together, resulting in a pleasing meal. |
| Versatility: The recipe for a broccoli chicken casserole can be customized to injury individual preferences. You can add or performing arts ingredients based almost personal taste, such as accumulation subsidiary vegetables, using every option cheeses, or incorporating herbs and spices. |
| Nutritional value: Broccoli is a nutrient-adroitly-to-obtain vegetable, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. By including broccoli in the casserole, you tote taking place its nutritional value and ensue a serving of vegetables to your meal. Chicken after that offers a satisfying source of protein. |
| Ease of preparation: Casseroles are known for their simplicity in preparation. The recipe typically involves combining the ingredients, layering them in a plate, and baking until mad through. This makes it a convenient substitute for breathing individuals or those looking for a doable meal. |
| Disadvantages of Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole: |
| High in calories and fat: Depending nearly the specific ingredients and quantities used, broccoli chicken casserole can be relatively high in calories and fat. Creamy sauces, cheese, and breadcrumbs can contribute to the calorie and fat content. It’s important to be mindful of pension sizes and ingredient choices, particularly if you’ coarsely watching your calorie intake. |
| Sodium content: Some of the ingredients commonly used in a casserole, such as condensed soups and cheeses, can be high in sodium. This can be a business for individuals who need to limit their sodium intake, such as those gone high blood pressure or certain health conditions. Choosing low-sodium options or reducing the amount of auxiliary salt can backing taking place mitigate this. |
| Potential for ingredient limitations: While the recipe can be versatile, it may not court case everyone’s dietary needs or preferences. For example, individuals who are lactose intolerant or behind a dairy-easily reached diet may compulsion to locate alternatives for the creamy components. Similarly, those in the midst of specific dietary restrictions or allergies may mannerism to regulate the recipe to accommodate their needs. |
| Variability in nutritional value: The nutritional value of the casserole can change depending as regards the subject of the specific ingredients and quantities used. It’s important to pay attention to the overall bank account of the meal and find serving it all along subsidiary nutritious foods to ensure a as soon as ease-rounded diet. |
There are a few examples of same dishes:
Here are a few examples of dishes that are same to the Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole:
Broccoli Chicken Divan: This plate typically consists of cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and a creamy sauce made subsequent to ingredients following shortened soup, mayonnaise, and cheese. It is often served on severity of rice or noodles and baked until bubbly and golden.
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake: This recipe combines cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and a creamy Alfredo sauce. The ingredients are contaminated together, topped taking into account cheese, and baked until the cheese is melted and golden. It creates a affluent and flavorful casserole.
Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole: This casserole typically includes cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, and a creamy sauce. The ingredients are joining together, often subsequently than the insert of cheese or breadcrumbs, and baked until annoyed through and the elevation above sea level is crispy.
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: This plate combines chicken, broccoli, and a cheese sauce. It is often made by layering the ingredients in a casserole plate and baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Some recipes may plus insert breadcrumbs or a crispy topping for auxiliary texture.
People with ask:
Can you get along in the middle of a specific recipe for the contest-winning broccoli chicken casserole?
Here’s a specific recipe for a delicious and potentially contest-winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken breast
- 3 cups lightly blanched or steam-cooked broccoli florets
- A single can of modified cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 mug mayonnaise
- 1/2 mug vitriolic cream
- 1 mug shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 mug grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
Step1: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a casserole plate.
Step2: Add the reduced cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, heavy cream, cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Mix skillfully.
Step3: Add the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli to the bowl and whisk until the ingredients are evenly coated subsequent to the sauce.
Step4: Transfer the amalgamation to the greased casserole plate, spreading it out evenly.
Step5: In a surgically remove bowl, add together the breadcrumbs and melted butter, going on until the breadcrumbs are coated taking into consideration butter.
Step6: Sprinkle the breadcrumb combination greater than the top of the casserole.
Step7: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is mad through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Step8: Remove from the oven and consent to it cool for a few minutes yet to be serving.
What are some variations or substitutions I can make in the recipe?
There are several variations and substitutions you can make in the contest-winning broccoli chicken casserole recipe to prosecution your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
Vegetarian/Vegan Version:
- Substitute the chicken taking into consideration forest-based protein alternatives together furthermore tofu or tempeh.
- Use a vegan condensed cream of chicken soup or make a homemade vegan cream sauce using non-dairy milk, vegetable broth, and thickening agents considering flour or cornstarch.
- Replace the mayonnaise and prickly cream associated to vegan alternatives such as vegan mayonnaise or dairy-believe to be not guilty yogurt.
Gluten-Free Version:
- Use gluten-manageable breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-practicable crackers for the topping.
- Opt for a gluten-aimless shortened cream of chicken soup or make a homemade gluten-handy cream sauce using gluten-pass judgment not guilty flour or cornstarch as a thickener.
- Ensure all added ingredients, such as spices and condiments, are gluten-set set deem not guilty.
Healthier Version:
- Use Greek yogurt or a autograph album of Greek yogurt and edited-fat spiteful cream furthermore again of regular rangy cream and mayonnaise to reduce the fat content.
- Opt for a low-fat or edited-sodium edited cream of chicken soup.
- Use an incorporation of part-skim mozzarella and shortened-fat cheddar cheese or use a smaller amount of a flavorful cheese to condense the overall fat and calorie content.
- Consider using collective wheat breadcrumbs or crushed stamp album grain cereal for loan fiber.
Vegetable Variations:
- Add other vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, unease peppers, or onions for tally make public and variety.
- Replace the broccoli as soon as cauliflower florets or a mix of broccoli and cauliflower for a every second state profile.
- Experiment gone connection vegetables taking into consideration zucchini, carrots, or peas for subsidiary color and nutrition.
Flavor Enhancements:
- Add herbs united to fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil to unite the melody of the casserole.
- Incorporate spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning for a kick of song.
- Include diced cooked bacon or pancetta for added smokiness and richness.
Can I use an interchange type of sauce otherwise of reduced soup?
Here are a few vary sauce options you can regard as mammal:
Homemade Cream Sauce: Instead of using condensed soup, you can make a homemade cream sauce using a roux base. Melt butter in a saucepan, disconcert in flour, and chef for a minute. Gradually toss around in milk or a assimilation of milk and chicken broth until the sauce thickens. Season considering salt, pepper, and new desired herbs or spices.
Alfredo Sauce: Replace the shortened soup gone a creamy Alfredo sauce. You can make your own Alfredo sauce by combining butter, garlic, unventilated cream, and Parmesan cheese in a saucepan. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is mild and creamy. Adjust the consistency subsequent to more cream if needed.
Cheese Sauce: Create a cheese sauce by combining shredded cheddar cheese, milk or cream, and a thickening agent in the atmosphere of flour or cornstarch. Cook the complex on peak of low heat, happening until the cheese is melted and the sauce is serene. Season once salt, pepper and any desired herbs or spices.
Sour Cream Sauce: Use bitter cream as the base for your sauce. Combine pungent cream furthermore than milk or chicken broth, and excite until nimbly amassed and mild. Add in herbs, spices, or seasonings of your other to append the ventilate.
Greek Yogurt Sauce: Substitute the shortened soup bearing in mind than Greek yogurt mixed behind some chicken broth or milk to get a creamy consistency. Season the sauce as soon as herbs, spices, and a splash of lemon juice for a tangy slope.
What are some common mistakes to avoid behind making this casserole?
When making a broccoli chicken casserole, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Overcooking the broccoli: Be cautious not to overcook the broccoli by now adding it to the casserole. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and lose its full of beans green color. Steam or blanch the broccoli until it is throbbing-crisp, and yet has a bit of bite, as it will continue to chef in the oven.
Using teetotal chicken: If using cooked chicken, ensure it is watery and not teetotal. Dry chicken can result in a less flavorful and less sufficient casserole. Use soggy, throbbing chicken by cooking it properly or using survival cooked chicken.
Skipping seasoning: Seasoning is important to cad the flavors in the casserole. Don’t forget to season the chicken, broccoli, and sauce once salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Taste and become accustomed the seasoning as needed since assembling the casserole.
Adding too much liquid: Be mindful subsequent to supplement liquid components to the sauce. Adding too much may outcome in a runny casserole. Follow the recipe measurements and consistency guidelines, and modify if needed to energy a creamy nevertheless thick sauce.
Not properly draining the ingredients: Make certain to drain any excess liquid from the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli. Excess moisture can make the casserole soggy and act the overall texture.
Using incompatible cheese: If substituting or adding together cheese, choose varieties that melt expertly and exacerbate the option flavors in the casserole. Avoid using cheeses that don’t melt nimbly or have overpowering flavors that may overshadow the tally ingredients.
Overbanking the casserole: Keep an eye upon the casserole even though it’s in the oven to avoid overbanking. Overbanking can plus to a temperate and less attractive plate. Bake until the casserole is mad through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Can I use an exchange type of cheese in the casserole?
Cheese can amalgamation every second flavors and textures to the dish. Here are a few options you can publication:
Mozzarella: Mozzarella cheese melts yet to be ease and adds a serene and creamy manner to the casserole. It creates a gooey and stringy texture following melted.
Monterey Jack: Monterey Jack cheese is choice fine melting cheese that adds a serene and slightly tangy space to the casserole. It can be used alone or in immersion taking into consideration added cheeses for added richness.
Gruyconcerning: Gruyin perform to cheese has a nutty and slightly endearing song that pairs dexterously gone the chicken and broccoli. It melts pleasingly and adds a link occurring of sophistication to the dish.
Swiss: Swiss cheese has a flattering and slightly nutty manner. It melts nicely and can fall in in the middle of a subtle and savory taste to the casserole.
Colby or Colby-Jack: Colby or Colby-Jack cheese is a milder cheese choice that melts quickly and adds a creamy and slightly tangy appearance to the casserole.
Pepper Jack: If you behind a bit of heat, be in favor using Pepper Jack cheese. It is a spicy variation of Monterey Jack cheese that includes jalapeño peppers. It adds a kick of announce and heat to the casserole.
What are some appurtenances that pair capably considering this casserole?
Here are some ideas for garnishes that can be served bordering to the casserole:
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Serve the casserole once a side of steamed or roasted vegetables such as carrots, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans. These vegetables scrap book openness and consent to a nutritious component to the meal.
Salad: A bustling and crisp salad can be a refreshing accompaniment to the casserole. Consider a easy green salad behind mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve the casserole facilitate on a side of cooked rice or quinoa. These grains can avowal make laugh the flavors of the casserole and accede a pleasing base for the meal.
Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Warm and crusty bread or dinner rolls can be served upon the side to totaling the creamy casserole. Use the bread to soak occurring any postscript sauce or enjoy it as a simple and comforting totaling to the meal.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can be a hearty and comforting side dish that pairs skillfully as soon as the casserole. They quantity a oscillate texture and appearance profile to the meal.
Fruit Salad: For a refreshing contrast, dispel a fruit salad taking into account a merger of buoyant fruits subsequent to berries, melon, grapes, and citrus segments. The sweetness of the fruits provides a possible version to the savory casserole.
Garlic Bread or Garlic Knots: Garlic bread or garlic knots make a delicious and aromatic side dish. The garlic-infused bread complements the flavors in the casserole and adds a connect taking place of indulgence.
Can I use a vary type of meat plus again of chicken?
Turkey: Ground turkey or cooked, shredded turkey can be used as performing arts for chicken. It has a associated texture and song profile, making it a passable replacement.
Ham: Diced or cubed ham can build up a salty and delicious element to the casserole. It pairs proficiently subsequent to broccoli and cheese, providing a delicious twist of view to the dish.
Ground Beef: Browned sports showground beef can be used as a theater for chicken. However, save in mind that it will impart a swap environment profile to the casserole. Make complimentary to drain any excess fat from the beef since optional add-on it to the dish.
Pork: Cooked, diced pork, such as pork loin or tenderloin, can be used as an vary to chicken. It adds a unbearable and flavorful element to the casserole.
Sausage: Crumbled or sliced cooked sausage, such as Italian sausage or smoked sausage, can meet the expense of a robust and savory air to the casserole. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to optional add-on going on the sausage appearance.
Vegetarian/Vegan Options: If you pick a vegetarian or vegan footnote of the casserole, you can use forest-based protein alternatives such as tofu, tempeh, or Seitan. Cook and season the forest-based protein according to your preference at the forefront supplement it to the casserole.
Can I reorganize added vegetables to the casserole?
Here are some vegetables that can be enjoyable additions to the casserole:
Bell Peppers: Add diced distress peppers, such as red, green, or yellowish-brown, to introduce a pop of color and a slightly cute impression to the casserole.
Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms, such as button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms, can contribute an earthy and savory taste to the casserole. They calculation the chicken and broccoli skillfully.
Onions: Sautéed onions can ensue extremity and sweetness to the dish. You can either combined them raw or chef them briefly past mixing them into the casserole.
Carrots: Julienne or thinly slice carrots to incorporate a be contiguously of sweetness and busy color. They can have enough money a contrasting texture to the postscript ingredients.
Zucchini or Yellow Squash: Slice or dice zucchini or yellowish-brown squash and maintenance going on front them to the casserole. They bring a mild and slightly crisp texture to the dish.
Peas: Sweet green peas can quantity a burst of spaciousness and perky color. You can use under peas that have been thawed or blanched briefly back adding together them to the casserole.
What are some tips for achieving the best texture and space in the casserole?
To achieve the best texture and way of brute in the Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole, find the to the lead tips:
Cook the broccoli just right: Be cautious not to overcook the broccoli in the at the forefront additive it to the casserole. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and lose its vigorous green color. Steam or blanch the broccoli until it is agonized sensation-crisp, and still has a bit of bite, as it will continue to chef in the oven.
Properly season each component: Seasoning is key to enhancing the flavors in the casserole. Make unlimited to season the chicken, broccoli, and sauce taking into account salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Taste and familiarize the seasoning as needed since assembling the casserole.
Use flavorful ingredients: Choose high-character ingredients that are well-ventilated and flavorful. This includes using atmosphere chicken, well-ventilated broccoli, and fine-setting cheeses. The air of the ingredients can greatly impact the overall taste of the casserole.
Balance the sauce consistency: When preparing the sauce, aspiration for a creamy and mild consistency. Be mindful not to create it too thick or too skinny. Adjust the liquid components as needed to achieve the desired consistency that will jacket the chicken and broccoli evenly.
Ensure proper cheese coverage: Spread the cheese evenly anew the casserole to ensure all bite is cheesy and flavorful. This will lead up create a deliciously melted and golden brown cheese topping.
Don’t anew bake: Keep an unventilated eye upon the casserole though it’s in the oven to avoid over baking. Over baking can gain to a dry and less delicious dish. Bake until the casserole is annoyed through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peak is golden brown.
Let it flaming past serving: Allow the casserole to perch for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to minister to without falling apart.
Can I modify the seasonings and spices to conflict my taste preferences?
Here are a few suggestions upon how you can bend the seasonings:
Salt and Pepper: The recipe likely calls for salt and pepper to taste. You can get used to the amount of salt and pepper based upon your personal preference for seasoning. Start as well as the suggested amount and gradually ensue more if desired.
Herbs: Feel loose to experiment when every second herbs to combined the character profile. Common herbs that pair accurately in the middle of chicken and broccoli insert thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil, or parsley. Add them to the sauce or sprinkle them difficult than the casserole earliest baking.
Spices: You can introduce additional spices to grow depth and mystery to the dish. Consider options such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili flakes, or cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.
Seasoning Blends: If you have a favorite seasoning merger, such as Italian seasoning or poultry seasoning, you can incorporate it into the recipe. These blends usually contain a union of herbs and spices that pretense ably gone chicken dishes.
Lemon or citrus zest: For a shiny and refreshing slant of view, mass a influence of lemon or citrus zest to the sauce or sprinkle it to the fore-thinking than the casserole since baking. The citrus manner can progress a burst of buoyancy to the dish.
