Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Author: Chef Elsa Prep Time: 35 min
Cook Time: 30 min Total Time: 65 min
Yield: 6 servings Category: Dishes Cuisine: American Diet: Healthy

Description

Description A cozy, lighter take on a classic comfort-dish favorite, featuring tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce without the heavy guilt.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces uncooked whole-wheat rotini pasta
  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • 1 small white onion, thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
  • 2 cups ( 8 ounces ) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 cups diced (or shredded) cooked chicken
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Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Cube chicken breasts or thighs and toss with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté seasoned chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Prepare Broccoli: Steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp and set aside.
  4. Grate Cheeses: Grate all cheeses, reserving some for topping.
  5. Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter or olive oil in the skillet and sauté onions until translucent.
  6. Add Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
  7. Create Roux: Add flour and whisk continuously until cooked out, forming a paste.
  8. Whisk in Liquids: Gradually add chicken broth and almond milk, whisking until the sauce thickens.
  9. Introduce Healthy Creaminess: Stir in Greek yogurt and seasonings until smooth.
  10. Melt the Cheese: Add shredded cheeses and stir until melted.
  11. Combine Main Ingredients: Fold in chicken and broccoli until coated.
  12. Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
  13. Create the Crispy Topping: Combine panko, Parmesan, and reserved cheeses, then sprinkle over the casserole.
  14. Preheat and Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and crispy.
  15. Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest before serving.
  16. Serve Warm: Dish out and enjoy!

Notes

  1. Notes
  2. For a vegetarian option, increase mushrooms and add chickpeas instead of chicken.