Can I cook raw chicken and broccoli together?

Yes, you can cook raw chicken and broccoli together when preparing chicken broccoli and cheese casserole, but it’s best to partially cook the chicken first. This ensures the chicken reaches a safe temperature without overcooking the broccoli.

Should I cook broccoli before putting it in a casserole?

Lightly blanching broccoli for 2–3 minutes before adding it to chicken broccoli and cheese casserole keeps it crisp-tender and prevents it from turning mushy during baking.

What is in Paula Deen's broccoli casserole?

Paula Deen’s classic version includes broccoli, cheese, eggs, mayonnaise, and cracker crumbs. It’s similar in spirit to chicken broccoli and cheese casserole but without the chicken.

Can you put broccoli in a chicken casserole?

Absolutely! Broccoli is one of the best additions to chicken casseroles, especially in chicken broccoli and cheese casserole, because it adds nutrition, color, and fresh flavor.

Chicken Broccoli and Cheese Casserole: The Best 7 Secrets

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb cooked boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
1 10.5 oz can low-sodium cream of chicken soup
3 cups cooked long grain white rice
1 12.6 oz bag frozen baby broccoli florets
1 & ¼ cups light sour cream
1 cup shredded Colby jack cheese
1 & ½ tablespoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large bowl, add in the chicken, cream of chicken soup, rice, broccoli, sour cream, ½ cup of shredded cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and salt/pepper to taste. Mix together until combined.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top.
Bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden, and broccoli is tender.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
Calories: 351 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 422 mg
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 26 g