If you’re searching for a delicious, healthy, and comforting meal, look no further than this Skinny Chicken Broccoli Casserole. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a lighter take on a classic casserole, ensuring you can indulge without the guilt. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to satisfy your cravings while keeping your health goals on track.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen broccoli cuts, cooked and drained
- 2 cans (10.75 ounces each) 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup
- ¾ cup non-fat evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Italian-flavored dry bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and cleans up easily.
- Combine Chicken and Broccoli: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and diced chicken breasts with the cooked and drained broccoli cuts. Ensure they are evenly distributed to allow for uniform cooking and flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup, non-fat evaporated milk, and a teaspoon of lemon juice. This mixture will form the creamy base of your casserole. Once well mixed, pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chicken, broccoli, and sauce mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. This ensures that every bite will have a perfect balance of flavors.
- Add Cheese and Topping: Sprinkle the reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. In a small bowl, combine the Italian-flavored dry bread crumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheddar cheese layer to create a deliciously crunchy topping.
- Final Touch: Lightly spray the top of the casserole with cooking spray. This will help the bread crumb topping achieve a golden brown color and crispy texture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbly and the top is a beautiful golden brown.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to dish out portions.
Conclusion :
This Skinny Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal without the extra calories. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a light yet creamy sauce topped with crunchy breadcrumbs and melted cheese makes it an irresistible dish. Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, from the succulent chicken pieces and the wholesome crunch of broccoli to the smooth, savory sauce that ties everything together. The reduced-fat cheddar cheese and the crispy breadcrumb topping add the perfect finishing touches, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and nourishing.
Perfect for family dinners, this casserole can easily become a staple in your meal rotation. Its appeal lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its convenience and ease of preparation. You can assemble the casserole in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat, making it a stress-free option for busy weeknights.
This dish is also a hit at potlucks, where its comforting and familiar flavors are sure to please a crowd. Its wholesome ingredients and healthier profile mean you can share it with friends and family, knowing you’re offering something nutritious and satisfying.
Additionally, this Skinny Chicken Broccoli Casserole is ideal for meal prepping for the week. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be portioned out for quick, balanced lunches or dinners. Reheating is a breeze, and the flavors remain just as delicious as when freshly baked.
Incorporating this casserole into your weekly meal plan not only helps you stay on track with your health goals but also ensures you have a go-to recipe that’s both versatile and delicious. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the satisfaction of a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or indulgence!
