Minute Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Skillet Casserole

Introduction

Welcome to a recipe that’s destined to become a weeknight dinner favorite: Minute Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Skillet Casserole! This dish combines the comforting flavors of cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli in a one-pan wonder that’s not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for busy evenings when you crave something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen, this casserole comes together in just minutes and features minimal cleanup.

With its creamy cheese sauce, succulent chicken pieces, and the added nutrition of broccoli, this recipe is a delightful way to please the whole family. Plus, it’s easily customizable—feel free to throw in any leftover vegetables or swap out chicken for your protein of choice! Join me as we whip up this delicious meal that promises to be both simple and scrumptious, making it a staple in your dinner rotation!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. 1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are vibrant green and slightly tender. Remove broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
2. 1. In the same skillet, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed and heated through, about 5 minutes.
3. 1. Add the sautéed broccoli to the skillet mixture. Stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
4. 1. Spread the chicken and broccoli mixture evenly in the skillet. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top of the casserole. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
5. 1. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and let it cook on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and cheese to melt.
6. 1. For a nice golden top, uncover the skillet and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
7. 1. Remove from heat, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm and enjoy!
8. Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

Key Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Broccoli Florets: About 2 cups of fresh or frozen broccoli florets.
• Cheddar Cheese: 1 ½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for melting and flavor.
• Rice: 1 cup of uncooked quick-cooking rice to absorb flavors and add heartiness.
• Chicken Broth: 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth for moisture and seasoning.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) for creaminess and added flavor.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon for an aromatic touch.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon to enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for cooking the chicken.

Feel free to customize with your favorite seasonings or additional vegetables!

Baking Process

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.

2. Prepare the Skillet: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add bite-sized chicken pieces (about 2 cups) that have been seasoned with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes or until it’s golden brown and cooked through.

3. Add Broccoli: Stir in approximately 2 cups of fresh or frozen broccoli florets with the chicken. Cook them together for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and just tender.

4. Combine Ingredients: Next, reduce the heat and add in 1 cup of cooked rice or quinoa, along with 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until well combined and the cheese is melted.

5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

6. Add a Topping (Optional): For a crunchy topping, sprinkle an additional half cup of shredded cheese and some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top of the casserole. This will create a delightful golden crust once baked.

7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the casserole is hot throughout.

8. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Serve warm, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Minute Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Skillet Casserole! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve with a Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the cheesy richness of the casserole, adding a refreshing contrast.

2. Add Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: A crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up any cheesy goodness left on your plate. They bring an extra comforting element to the meal.

3. Pair with Steamed Vegetables: For a nutritious boost, serve alongside steamed vegetables such as carrots or green beans. This adds color and still keeps the meal healthy.

4. Top with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or basil on top before serving to elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor.

5. Accompany with a Simple Fruit Cup: To balance the savory flavors, serve a small bowl of fresh fruit like pineapple, berries, or apple slices for a sweet, refreshing end to the meal.

6. Make it a Full Family Meal: For a heartier dinner, consider serving the casserole with a protein-packed side dish, such as quinoa or a bean salad.

Enjoy your Minute Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Skillet Casserole with these delightful accompaniments for a well-rounded meal!

Conclusion

In just a matter of minutes, this Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Skillet Casserole transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying and creamy dish that the whole family will love. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheese creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, with minimal cleanup required, you can enjoy more time at the table and less time in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a hearty side, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite seasonings or add-ins, making it uniquely yours. Happy cooking!