Chicken Broccoli Casserole

 

It seems that I have been posting a lot of oldies but goodies from my recipe box lately.  This recipe for Chicken Broccoli Casserole is one that I have not made in awhile, so I had kind of forgotten about it, but a couple of weeks ago, I found myself with some shredded chicken and some broccoli that needed to be used, and remembered this casserole.

Now, I will be the first to say, if you are looking for a light and healthy dish, this is not for you.  But if you are looking for a yummy, creamy, easy dinner that can even be made ahead if needed, this is definitely one you can try.

It comes together easily...

Steam some broccoli florets until crisp tender and line the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish with them.  I can't even tell you how much - I used a large head and a small head for this.  Just measure with your heart.

Then place your cooked, shredded chicken over the top of the broccoli.  Again, I just used what I had, I would guess this is the equivalent of  about 4 or 5 chicken breasts.

Then sprinkle a small amount of grated cheddar over that.

Then a simple sauce is spread over that.  This sauce is made with condensed cream of chicken soup and mayo.  If you are against using canned condensed soup, I have also made it with a thick white sauce that has been flavored with chicken base combined with the mayo rather than the cream of chicken soup and it was just as delicious.

It is then topped with more shredded cheese.

*At this point the casserole can be covered and put in the refrigerator and pulled out later to be baked, if you are making it ahead.

Right before popping the casserole in the oven, cover it with toast cubes.  Trust me, these are miraculous in this dish!  

Then bake until bubbly and warmed through!  Mmmmm!  So good!

I love this Chicken Broccoli Casserole.  I hope you do too!