Cheesy, Creamy, and Delicious! Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while maintaining flavor.

cream of chicken soup

🥗Healthier: homemade chicken broth

💰Cheaper: cream of mushroom soup

Homemade broth is lighter and can be made from scraps.

rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: pasta

Quinoa adds protein while pasta is often cheaper.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier and adds a different flavor.

Wash and pat dry 4-5 boneless skinless chicken thighs.

Drizzle chicken thighs with avocado oil and season with Cajun seasoning.

Mix the seasoning into the chicken thighs and set aside.

Grate 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese and 2 cups of sharp white cheddar cheese.

Cut broccoli into smaller chunks, about a third of the original size, and place in a deep pot.

Add 2 cups of reduced sodium chicken broth to the pot with broccoli.

Season the broccoli and broth with nature seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika, then mix well.

Bring the mixture to a low boil, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Heat a skillet with avocado oil, then add the seasoned chicken thighs, cooking for 6-8 minutes on each side until browned.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board.

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and melt it down.

Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and mix to form a roux.

Pour in 2 cups of heavy cream and mix until combined.

Season the cream mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper, then bring to a low boil and reduce heat to simmer for 5 minutes.

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the cream mixture.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens