Wholesome Comfort: Healthy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Craving a comforting classic that's both delicious and nutritious? Look no further than this Healthy Chicken Broccoli Casserole! Packed with protein, loaded with veggies, and bursting with vibrant flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it's easy to make and bakes up beautifully in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
A Real Food Secret Ingredient:
This casserole has a special real food secret ingredient that sets it apart from the rest. With the goodness of organic yogurt, cultured sour cream, and a blend of herbs and spices, every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures. And let's not forget the star of the show – tender chicken breast and crisp broccoli, adding a wholesome touch to this comforting dish.
Ingredients:
2 cooked skinless chicken breasts, shredded or cubed
3 cups broccoli florets
3 tablespoons grass-fed butter, ghee, or avocado oil
1 yellow onion, diced
5 fresh garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 cup Organic Whole Milk Yogurt
½ cup Organic Cultured Sour Cream
1 batch of Creamy Avocado-Lime Dressing or Lime Cumin Dressing
Pinch of salt and black pepper
½ cup pumpkin seeds, preferably raw and unsalted
¼ cup chopped cilantro
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
1 tablespoon dried dill
1 teaspoon mineral-rich salt
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Juice and zest of ½ lemon
½ to 1 cup cooked white rice – optional
Preparation Steps:
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 casserole dish with your healthy fat of choice and set it aside.
Steam the Broccoli: In a small saucepan with a steamer basket, steam the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a saucepan, heat the grass-fed butter, ghee, or avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Remove from heat.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, sautéed onion-carrot mixture, Organic Whole Milk Yogurt, Organic Cultured Sour Cream, 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, dried onion flakes, dried dill, salt, thyme, garlic powder, lemon juice, lemon zest, and optional cooked white rice. Stir until fully combined.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake at 375 degrees F for 40-50 minutes, or until the cheesy top is lightly golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with pumpkin seeds and chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. Serve warm and savor every comforting bite!
Why You'll Love This Casserole:
Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the chicken, broccoli, and veggies, this casserole offers a wholesome meal that nourishes your body.
Flavorful and Comforting: With a blend of herbs, spices, and creamy dairy, every bite is a comforting delight that satisfies the soul.
Easy to Make: With simple preparation steps and readily available ingredients, this casserole comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile: Feel free to customize this recipe based on your preferences. Add extra veggies, swap out ingredients, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
Family-Friendly: Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this casserole is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at the table. It's a wholesome and delicious option for the whole family to enjoy.
In conclusion, this Healthy Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a testament to the beauty of real food cooking. Give it a try and experience the comfort and flavor it brings to your table!
