Broccoli Chicken Casserole

This casserole is the ultimate comfort food for my family. This casserole and quiche were one of the first recipes, I learnt how to make from my dear friend Shanta. Back in the 80s, I spent a lot of time at Shanta's place, and had many sleepovers at their place and this is one meal that even her family looked forward to eating. Over the years, this meal became a "must have" at least a couple of times a month even at my place. I introduced this to many of my friends, who also love making it for their families.

This can easily be a one dish meal, but to this day, I love to serve it with the spring onion rice, as that is what I had, the first time I ate the casserole.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts (the original recipe had 6 chicken breasts)or store bought rotisserie chicken

• 2 packages frozen broccoli florets or spears

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 can cream of mushroom or cream of broccoli soup

• 1/2 cup - 3/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tsp curry powder or garam masala (or any other spice mix you like)

• 1/2 cup grated cheese (Monterey jack or Cheddar or I also use a grated Mexican cheese mix)

• Salt and Black pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Place the broccoli at the bottom of a casserole dish, season with salt and pepper and cook in the microwave for 5 minutes.

2. Drain excess water if any, and rearrange broccoli in the casserole.

3. Season with salt and pepper and cook and shred the chicken.

4. Place the shredded chicken on top of the broccoli in the casserole dish. (Alternatively, I just buy a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store or costco and shred the breast meat and place on top of the broccoli. I don't like to use the drumsticks or thigh meat in the casserole, we just eat the drumsticks separately.)

5. Combine and mix well the rest of the ingredients, (except the breadcrumbs) in a bowl, and pour the mixture evenly over the chicken. (Mayonnaise, soup, lemon juice, cheese, spice mix and salt {Usually I don't add any extra salt, its upto you} and pepper to taste).

6. Cook covered in a 350 degree oven for 35 minutes.

7. Take the casserole out of the oven, and sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top of the casserole and return uncovered to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to brown the crust on top.

8. Enjoy! I usually serve it with a spring onion rice or a simple veggie pilaf or with garlic bread.

Notes:

• For the simple spring onion flavored rice or Quinoa, sauté the white portion of the green onions first, then add the greens and sauté some more.

• Next add a half teaspoon of turmeric powder and some curry powder or garam masala and stir for a bit.

• Finally, add cooked rice, salt to taste and some lemon juice and mix well till heated through. Done!!