Casseroles are particularly lovely when you are busy, because you can prep them when you have a quiet moment. Then all you have to do is pop them in the oven when you need them. This one brings together some of our favorite flavors: cheese, chicken, and broccoli.
You will need:
- 4 T unsalted butter
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 4 T flour
- 1 1/4 c unsalted chicken stock
- 1 c milk
- 1 c light cream
- 1 t paprika
- 2 c shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 lb chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- oz frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
- 1 box stuffing mix, prepared according to instructions (I used a cornbread version)
- 1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 T fresh chives, minced
Then you will…
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In small sauce pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the onion and saute until starting to soften, about 4 minutes.
- Whisk in the flour and allow to cook for 2 minutes (keep whisking!).
- Whisk in the stock, milk, cream and paprika until well combined.
- Bring to a simmer and allow to thicken, stirring frequently, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the Gruyere until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken with the cheese sauce and broccoli.
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the prepared stuffing with the cheddar and chives.
- Spread the chicken mixture in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with the stuffing mixture.
- Bake until bubbly and the stuffing starts to turn a bit more golden, about 30-40 minutes.
- Allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.