Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Delight

Ingredients

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 sweet onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- 1 cup buttery crackers, crushed

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.

3. Sauté Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the chopped sweet onion, diced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent and the celery is tender.

4. Make the Sauce
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually add the dry white wine, stirring to deglaze the skillet and incorporate any brown bits. Slowly pour in the chicken stock, followed by the heavy cream. Stir in the Dijon mustard and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken (about 5 minutes).

5. Incorporate Cheeses
Remove the skillet from heat and gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

6. Assemble the Casserole
Layer the seasoned chicken breasts in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Evenly distribute the broccoli florets over the chicken. Pour the cheese sauce over the top, ensuring the chicken and broccoli are well-coated.

7. Add Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the chopped fresh parsley. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

8. Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the topping is golden and crisp.

9. Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired.

Total Time

PT1H
1 hour

Type of Dish

Dinner

Keywords

Chicken Casserole, Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli Casserole, Dinner Recipe, Oven-Baked, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Cheese Sauce, Creamy Casserole, Baked Chicken

Recipe Yield

Serves 4 adults

Calories

Total calories: 3200

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