Description
This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and whole grains in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (lightly steamed)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
Cheese Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ cups low-fat milk
- 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (divided)
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
Topping:
- ¼ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic. Whisk in flour, then slowly add milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove from heat and stir in Greek yogurt and 1 cup of cheese until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix chicken, broccoli, rice (or quinoa), and cheese sauce. Transfer to baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle remaining cheese and breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use frozen broccoli—just thaw and drain it first.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or Dijon mustard to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
