Description

Craving a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s both comforting and easy to whip up? The Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole is your answer! This award-winning dish, with 191 glowing reviews, combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, creamy broccoli cheese soup, and a crunchy stuffing topping, all baked to cheesy perfection.

Ingredients

To make Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole for 6 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to this comforting dish:

Chicken Stuffing Mix (1 package, 6 oz): Provides a crispy, savory topping.
Cubed Cooked Chicken (2 cups): Tender, protein-rich base.
Fresh Broccoli Florets (2 cups): Adds vibrant color and nutrition.
Condensed Broccoli Cheese Soup (1 can, 10¾ oz, undiluted): Creates a creamy, cheesy base.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Adds melty, cheesy goodness.

Substitutions and Variations:

Chicken: Swap with cooked turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based chicken for a vegetarian option.
Broccoli: Replace with cauliflower, green beans, or frozen broccoli (thawed and drained).
Broccoli Cheese Soup: Substitute with cream of chicken, mushroom, or cheddar soup.
Stuffing Mix: Use cornbread stuffing, homemade breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers.
Cheddar Cheese: Swap with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Add-Ons: Include diced mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free stuffing mix and soup (check labels).

Why These Ingredients Matter: The chicken and broccoli provide protein and fiber, while the soup and cheese create a creamy, indulgent base. The stuffing adds a crunchy contrast, making this a balanced, comforting meal perfect for cozy dinners.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Prepare 1 package (6 oz) chicken stuffing mix according to package directions, using only 1½ cups water for a slightly drier texture.
Set aside.

Tip: Fluff the stuffing with a fork to keep it light and avoid clumping.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups cubed cooked chicken, 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, and 1 can (10¾ oz) undiluted condensed broccoli cheese soup.
Stir until well mixed.

Tip: Cut broccoli into bite-sized pieces for even cooking, and ensure chicken is fully cooked before mixing.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Grease an 11×7-inch baking dish.
Transfer the chicken-broccoli-soup mixture to the dish, spreading it evenly.
Top with the prepared stuffing, spreading it to cover the filling.
Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the stuffing.

Tip: Grease the dish lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking, and spread layers evenly for consistent baking.

Step 4: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tip: Check that the center is hot (165°F internal temperature) and the cheese is golden for the best texture.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
Spoon the casserole onto plates or serve family-style from the baking dish.

Tip: Serve hot to enjoy the melty cheese and warm, creamy filling at their best.