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In the world of home-cooked meals, few dishes evoke the feeling of comfort and satisfaction quite like a cheesy casserole. Among the myriad of casserole options, the Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Delight stands out as a quintessential favorite, combining tender shredded chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer. This dish is not just a feast for the eyes; it's also a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potluck gatherings, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

Kid-Friendly Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Delight casserole! This recipe combines tender shredded chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, it's easy to whip up and healthy too. Learn how to make this satisfying dish that will quickly become a favorite at your table. Enjoy the delicious layers and nutrition in every bite!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (using rotisserie chicken is perfect!)

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

1 cup uncooked pasta (such as elbow macaroni or penne)

1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup

1 cup milk

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a bit of extra warmth)

1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

2 tablespoons melted butter (to coat the breadcrumbs)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.

    Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. With about 2-3 minutes of cooking time left, add the broccoli florets. Drain the cooked pasta and broccoli, then set aside to cool.

      Combine Chicken and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.

        Mix with Pasta and Broccoli: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the chicken-sauce mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring that everything is evenly combined.

          Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly across the bottom of the dish.

            Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, stirring until the crumbs are well coated. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, followed by the buttery breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.

              Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.

                Cool and Serve: Once baked, pull the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Spoon the cheesy, flavorful delight into bowls and enjoy!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | Serves 6-8

                    - Presentation Tips: For an extra touch, garnish each serving with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of additional paprika for a pop of color.