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Cheesy Baked Chicken Casserole is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese, all baked together with pasta and broccoli for a satisfying one-dish wonder that your family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Baked Chicken Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a hearty meal that checks all the boxes for flavor, convenience, and comfort.
- Easy to make: Perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Family-friendly: A dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- One-dish meal: Minimal cleanup required.
- Customizable: Adjust ingredients based on your family’s preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup additional shredded cheese for topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for greasing the baking dish)
How to Make Cheesy Baked Chicken Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole to ensure food safety.
- For a creamier texture, you can add an extra splash of milk or use half-and-half instead.
- If you prefer a crispy topping, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
Easy Variations
- Swap out the broccoli for your favorite vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a flavor twist.
- Add cooked bacon or ham for extra protein and flavor.
What to Serve With It
- A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks for a delicious side.
- Steamed vegetables for a light and healthy addition.
Storage and Reheating
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup additional shredded cheese for topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes: Feel free to customize this recipe with your choice of vegetables and cheeses to suit your family’s tastes!
