Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 × 10 oz bags of broccoli (steam-in-bag or fresh florets)
2 tbsp butter
6 oz cream cheese, softened
1 ¾ cups heavy whipping cream
12 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the chicken:
-
Slow cooker method: Cook chicken breasts with a little broth, salt, and pepper on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours until tender, then shred.
-
Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
-
-
Prepare the broccoli:
-
Steam fresh broccoli or microwave steam-in-bag broccoli according to package directions. Drain well.
-
-
Preheat the oven:
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
-
-
Make the cheese sauce:
-
In a saucepan over low–medium heat, melt butter with heavy cream, garlic powder, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning.
-
Whisk in softened cream cheese until smooth.
-
-
Add the cheeses:
-
Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, reserving ¼ cup cheddar and ⅛ cup of the other cheeses for topping. Mix until fully melted and smooth.
-
-
Assemble the casserole:
-
Layer shredded chicken in the casserole dish, followed by broccoli. Pour cheese sauce evenly over the top.
-
-
Top and bake:
-
Sprinkle reserved cheese on top. Add paprika, parsley, and remaining Italian seasoning.
-
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
-
- Serve:
-
-
Let rest a few minutes before serving. Optional: add crushed pork rinds or cheese crisps for a crunchy topping.
-
Notes
- Chicken prep: Pre-cooking chicken in a slow cooker or using rotisserie chicken saves time and simplifies the process.
- Cheese sauce: Baking this dish in the oven ensures the cheese sauce stays creamy and does not separate. Avoid cooking the sauce fully in the slow cooker.
- Vegetable variations: Swap broccoli with cauliflower, green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a new flavor twist.
- Cheese options: Use your favorite cheese blend for unique flavors; sharper cheeses will add more depth.
- Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake later. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min