Name: Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons salted butter; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons black pepper; 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon; 4 cups water; 2 cups half ’n’ half; 4 tablespoons cornstarch, dissolved in 4 tablespoons of water; 24 ounces fresh broccoli florets, trimmed to bite-size pieces if necessary; 16 ounces wide egg noodles, cooked and drained; 4 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded; 1 cup Colby jack cheese, grated

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Chicken Broccoli Casserole recipe. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for family dinners, combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and egg noodles in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Topped with melted Colby jack cheese, it’s a mouthwatering way to enjoy a classic combination of flavors while getting your veggies in!

Ingredients

4 tablespoons salted butter
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
4 teaspoons chicken bouillon
4 cups water
2 cups half ’n’ half
4 tablespoons cornstarch, dissolved in 4 tablespoons of water
24 ounces fresh broccoli florets, trimmed to bite-size pieces if necessary
16 ounces wide egg noodles, cooked and drained
4 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
1 cup Colby jack cheese, grated

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside for later use.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chicken bouillon to the melted butter, and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
Create the Sauce Base:
Whisk in the water and half ’n’ half. Dissolve the cornstarch in water to make a slurry, then whisk this slurry into the filling mixture in the pot. Cook and whisk over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer and starts to thicken.
Add Broccoli:
Stir in the fresh broccoli florets and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until slightly tender.
Layer the Casserole:
Spread the cooked egg noodles and diced chicken evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Pour the broccoli and sauce mixture over the top, stirring to combine everything evenly.
Bake and Top with Cheese:
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes or until the broccoli is fork-tender. Remove from the oven, stir the casserole to redistribute the sauce, and sprinkle the grated Colby jack cheese over the top.
Final Touch:
Loosely cover the casserole with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. For a golden-brown cheese topping, return the casserole, uncovered, to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes instead of setting it for 5 minutes.

Notes

Serving Tips:

- 1. Garnish Creatively:
    - Before serving, garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color and added flavor.
  2. Pair with a Side Salad:
    - Serve the Chicken Broccoli Casserole alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the casserole.
  3. Add a Crunchy Element:
    - For extra texture, top individual servings with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before serving. This adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
  4. Serve with Garlic Bread:
    - Accompany the casserole with warm garlic bread or dinner rolls for a comforting and satisfying meal.
  5. Family-Style Presentation:
    - Bring the casserole dish straight to the table and let everyone serve themselves family-style for a cozy and communal dining experience.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration:
  - Store any leftover Chicken Broccoli Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain freshness.
2. Freezing:
  - You can freeze the casserole for longer storage. Portion it into individual servings or freeze the entire casserole in a freezer-safe container. Properly sealed, it can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
3. Reheating:
  - When reheating from the refrigerator, place individual servings in the microwave or oven until heated through. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the dish from drying out during reheating.
4. Avoid Overcooking:
  - When reheating, be cautious not to overcook the casserole as it can become dry. Cover with foil to retain moisture and heat evenly.
5. Refresh with Sauce:
  - If the casserole appears dry after reheating, drizzle a little extra chicken broth or cream sauce over the top before serving to add moisture and flavor.
6. Batch Cooking:
  - Consider making a double batch of Chicken Broccoli Casserole and freezing individual portions for quick and convenient meals during busy weekdays.