French Chicken Broccoli Casserole: A Comforting Classic from My Kitchen to Yours

There’s a particular kind of magic that happens when humble ingredients come together to create something truly soul-warming. For me, that magic is personified in this French Chicken Broccoli Casserole. I remember stumbling upon a worn, slightly smudged page from an old This Old House booklet years ago, and this recipe was tucked away, unassuming yet promising. It’s the kind of dish that whispers of cozy evenings, that makes the house smell like pure comfort, and that always satisfies, especially when served alongside fluffy rice or tender noodles. It’s become a cornerstone in my repertoire for its deceptive simplicity and its profoundly delicious outcome, a true testament to the power of a well-loved casserole.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 1 (13×9 inch) casserole
• Dietary Type: Adaptable (standard)

Ingredients

This casserole relies on straightforward, readily available ingredients that combine to create a rich and creamy delight.

For the Casserole Base:

• 3 lbs fresh broccoli, sliced into spears and steamed for 2 minutes (or 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen broccoli spears, thawed)
• 3-4 cups cooked chicken, skinned, boned, and cut into large pieces

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup cornstarch, dissolved in 1/2 cup water
• 1/3 cup chicken broth or 1/3 cup white wine
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups milk (using half and half is highly recommended for extra richness)
• 1 (2-ounce) jar diced pimentos, undrained
• 1 (8-ounce) package Old English cheese, cubed (or 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese)

Equipment Needed

A few essential tools will make preparing this casserole a breeze.

• A 13×9 inch baking dish
• A medium saucepan
• A whisk
• A measuring cup and spoons
• A knife and cutting board for chicken preparation

Instructions

Creating this French Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a straightforward process, beginning with assembling your base and then crafting the luscious, cheesy sauce.

1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Layer Ingredients: Begin by greasing your 13×9 inch baking dish. Next, artfully layer the steamed broccoli spears and the cooked chicken pieces alternately within the dish. This ensures an even distribution of both elements for a harmonious bite every time. Once layered, set the prepared dish aside as you move on to creating the rich sauce.

2. Start the Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the melted butter and the cornstarch that has been dissolved in 1/2 cup of water. Whisk these together to form a smooth paste, ensuring there are no lumps.

3. Build the Sauce: To the saucepan, add the chicken broth (or white wine), salt, pepper, and milk. Stir everything together until well combined.

4. Thicken the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened to a luscious, velvety consistency. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

5. Incorporate Cheese and Pimentos: Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, add the cubed Old English cheese (or shredded sharp cheddar cheese) and the undrained diced pimentos. Continue to stir gently until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and uniformly colored. The pimentos will add a subtle sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.

6. Combine Sauce and Casserole: Pour the warm, cheesy sauce evenly over the top of the layered chicken and broccoli in the prepared baking dish. Ensure all the ingredients are coated in this delectable sauce.

7. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbly around the edges and heated through.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Broccoli Perfection: If using fresh broccoli, steaming it for just 2 minutes is crucial. You want it tender-crisp, not mushy, so it holds its shape and texture during baking. If using frozen, ensure it’s fully thawed and drained to prevent a watery casserole.
• Chicken Preparation: For the best flavor and texture, use a combination of white and dark meat chicken if possible. Roasting or poaching chicken breasts or thighs ahead of time and then shredding or cubing them is ideal. Leftover rotisserie chicken is also a fantastic shortcut.
• Cheese Choice: While Old English cheese provides a wonderfully sharp and distinct flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment with other sharp, well-melting cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or a good quality sharp cheddar. A blend can also be delightful.
• Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick after adding the cheese, you can whisk in a little extra milk or chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it seems too thin, continue to cook it gently for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, or whisk in a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water and cook until thickened.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking and refrigerate it. Bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, or add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This French Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it truly shines when served alongside a few complementary dishes. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. For heartier appetites, steamed white rice or fluffy egg noodles are classic accompaniments that are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that glorious cheese sauce.

Leftovers are a treasure to be savored! Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, you can gently warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat a larger portion in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. Freezing is also an option; cool the casserole completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	404 kcal	20%
Total Fat	19.4 g	25%
Saturated Fat	9.9 g	50%
Cholesterol	91 mg	30%
Sodium	446.4 mg	19%
Total Carbohydrate	33.8 g	12%
Dietary Fiber	11.6 g	41%
Total Sugars	5.1 g	10%
Protein	28.8 g	58%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is a beloved classic, feel free to put your own spin on it.

• Gluten-Free: To make this casserole gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or arrowroot starch in place of the cornstarch. Ensure your cheese is also gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, opt for dairy-free butter, unsweetened almond milk or soy milk, and a dairy-free shredded cheese that melts well.
• Added Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms, onions, or peas for added flavor and texture.
• Herbaceous Notes: A pinch of nutmeg in the sauce adds a classic French touch. Freshly chopped parsley or chives sprinkled over the top just before serving can brighten the flavors.
• Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds wonderful flavor to the casserole. Just ensure it’s properly shredded or cubed.

Q: My sauce seems a bit lumpy. How can I fix it?
A: Lumps often occur when cornstarch isn’t fully dissolved or when the liquid is added too quickly. Try whisking vigorously over low heat. If lumps persist, you can carefully strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve.

Q: Can I add a topping to this casserole?
A: While not traditional, a sprinkle of bread crumbs mixed with a little melted butter and Parmesan cheese over the top before baking would add a delightful crunchy texture.

Q: How do I prevent the broccoli from becoming mushy?
A: Steaming fresh broccoli for only 2 minutes is key. If using frozen, ensure it’s thawed and drained thoroughly to remove excess moisture.

Q: Is this casserole good for a potluck?
A: Yes, this is an excellent potluck dish! It travels well and is a crowd-pleaser. Just ensure it’s well-covered and kept warm.

Final Thoughts

This French Chicken Broccoli Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace comfort, simplicity, and undeniable deliciousness. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, sparking conversation and happy sighs. I encourage you to try it, to make it your own, and to share it with the people you cherish. Whether you serve it with a crisp salad or over a bed of rice, it’s guaranteed to be a satisfying and memorable experience. I’d love to hear how it turns out in your kitchen!