Today, I wanted to share with you one of my family’s all-time favorite baked dishes – Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and comforting that doesn’t require a lot of prep time.

One of my favorite memories with this dish involves my daughter Emily. She was feeling down after a tough day at school and asked if we could make this casserole for dinner. So, we got to work chopping broccoli and shredding cheese, and before we knew it, the delicious smells wafting from the oven had lifted both of our spirits.

Here are a few tips and tricks to make sure your Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole turns out perfectly every time:

– Use fresh broccoli florets for the best flavor and texture. I like to blanch mine in boiling water for a minute or two before adding them to the casserole.

– To save time, use pre-cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover) instead of cooking it from scratch.

– If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some diced red pepper or sliced mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Without further ado, here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:
– 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream, mayonnaise, flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper until smooth.

3. Add the chicken, broccoli, and cheddar cheese to the bowl and stir until everything is evenly coated.

4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

5. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole.

6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

I hope you enjoy making this delicious Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole for your family as much as we do! And who knows, maybe it will become a go-to meal for you during tough times like it did for us.