Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole for Busy Nights

Make busy nights easier and still nutritious with this cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole. A healthier twist on a Canadian classic recipe.

Before I had kids and was just learning how to cook for myself, I was gifted The Best of Bridge cookbook and became quickly obsessed with the Classy Chicken recipe. It’s warm, cozy, super easy to make, and leftovers reheat well. I still make it to this day, but with a few adjustments. My kids love it and my husband asks for it on the regular.

This casserole is creamy, easy to prep, balanced with healthy fats, protein and fibre, and can be adjusted to be even more nutritious.

Key ingredients in this cheesy chicken casserole (and how to elevate it even more)

• Chicken breast
• Broccoli (you can also use asparagus or cauliflower)
• 1 can of Cream of Chicken soup (get the low sodium)
• Sour cream
• Fresh lemon juice
• Curry powder
• Rice (either cook the rice in chicken broth for more protein, or sub for quinoa for more protein and less starch)
• Cheddar cheese
• Breadcrumbs (omit or use ground almonds for a gluten-free, healthier option)

How to make it

1. Preheat oven to 400F
2. Cook rice or quinoa in a pot according to package instructions
3. In a non-stick, non-toxic frying pan on low-medium heat, cube and brown the chicken breast in a bit of olive or coconut oil
4. While the chicken is cooking, mix together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl or measuring cup. Set aside
5. In a medium, oven-safe casserole dish, add in chopped broccoli and browned chicken. Top with the sauce, then grated cheddar and breadcrumbs
6. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown
7. Serve with rice or quinoa

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole for Busy Nights

Author: Jen Casey | Nutritionist at Mama Bare Wellness

Prep time: 10 minutesCook time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutesCooking Temp:400 FServings:4 servings

Description

A healthier twist on a classic cheesy chicken casserole with broccoli and rice. A cozy 30 minute meal that the family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive or coconut oil for frying
• 2 cups broccoli florets

For the sauce

• 1 can Cream of Chicken soup
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 Tbsp yellow curry powder
• juice from 1/2 lemon

For the topping

• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

For serving

• 1 cup rice or quinoa
• 2 cups water or chicken broth

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400F
2. Cook rice or quinoa in a pot according to package instructions
3. In a non-stick, non-toxic frying pan on low-medium heat, cube and brown the chicken breast in a bit of olive or coconut oil
4. While the chicken is cooking, mix together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl or measuring cup. Set aside
5. In a medium, oven-safe casserole dish, add in chopped broccoli and browned chicken. Top with the sauce, then grated cheddar and breadcrumbs
6. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown
7. Serve with rice or quinoa

Keywords:30 minute meals

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Quick and Creamy Coconut Curry

Easy Taco Bowls

Easy Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers