Looking to whip up a hearty, delicious side dish that's perfect for any gathering? Try this Chicken or Turkey Broccoli Casserole! This recipe combines tender chicken (or turkey) with fresh broccoli in a creamy sauce, topped with crispy cheese. Here’s how you can make it:
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchier topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter
#### Instructions:
1. **Preparation:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
2. **Cooking the Chicken:**
- In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and sauté until they are cooked through and golden brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes per side). Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. **Roasting Broccoli:**
- While the chicken is cooking, place broccoli florets in a large bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Spread the broccoli out on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes or until tender but still slightly crisp.
4. **Making the Sauce:**
- In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, combine mayonnaise, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until well combined and let it heat up for a few minutes without boiling.
5. **Mixing Ingredients:**
- Add the roasted broccoli and cooked chicken pieces to the sauce in the skillet.
- Toss everything together so that the vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. **Assembly and Baking:**
- Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- If you prefer a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the melted cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. **Serving:**
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Chicken or Turkey Broccoli Casserole as a hearty side dish!
#### Tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, try adding some garlic powder or paprika to the chicken and broccoli mix.
- You can also use frozen broccoli if fresh is not available; just add it directly into the sauce with the chicken.
By following these steps, you'll be able to create a delicious Chicken or Turkey Broccoli Casserole that's sure to please everyone at your next gathering. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday meals!