For a meal that combines heartwarming flavors with a balanced array of ingredients, this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffing Casserole delivers beautifully. The herb-flavored stuffing paired with tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce is a delight to the senses, and the ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced home cooks. Enjoy this comfort dish on any occasion, knowing it will be loved by all.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- Chicken & Broth:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 small onion, cut into wedges (use only 2 wedges)
- Stuffing & Butter:
- 4 cups herb-flavored stuffing mix
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- Creamy Sauce:
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 pint sour cream
- Reserved chicken broth from cooking
- Vegetables:
- 8 ounces frozen broccoli florets, thawed
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a large pan, add the chicken broth, minced garlic, and two wedges of onion for an aromatic flavor base. Place the chicken breasts on top of this mixture and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the chicken cook for approximately 20 minutes until tender. Remove the chicken from the pan, shred it into small pieces, and set aside. Reserve the chicken broth for later use as it will add flavor to the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
In a separate bowl, pour the melted butter over the herb-flavored stuffing mix. Stir the mixture well, ensuring that each piece of stuffing is evenly coated with butter. This step ensures that the stuffing will have a rich flavor and a satisfying, moist texture in the casserole.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, the reserved chicken broth, and the cream of chicken soup. Use a hand mixer to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy, ensuring a consistent texture that will coat the casserole ingredients perfectly.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Begin assembling the casserole by spreading the buttered stuffing mix evenly across the bottom of a casserole dish. Next, layer the shredded chicken over the stuffing, ensuring it covers the stuffing base. Then, add the thawed broccoli florets, spreading them over the chicken for even distribution.
Step 5: Add the Creamy Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the casserole layers, spreading it evenly to cover the chicken and broccoli. For a touch of added texture and flavor, sprinkle a small handful of the stuffing mix on top.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and the dish is bubbling around the edges.
This Chicken and Broccoli Stuffing Casserole is a perfect blend of savory stuffing, tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh broccoli, making it a comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion. The herb stuffing and creamy layers elevate the casserole to an irresistible delight that’s bound to become a favorite!