Ingredients and Weight:
- 400 grams of fresh broccoli, chopped into florets
- 2 cups of cooked chicken breast, diced (or use leftover cooked chicken)
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of cheese (such as Cheddar or Monterey Jack), shredded or cubed
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice (optional)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the heavy cream and milk, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cheese, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice (if using) to the cheese mixture and stir well to combine.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and arrange the broccoli florets on top.
- Bake for about 20-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving (depending on the type and amount of chicken used)
Fat: 30g, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 25g
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy and rich texture due to the combination of heavy cream and cheese.
- The broccoli adds a fresh and slightly crunchy contrast to the creamy sauce.
- A perfect blend of flavors between the salty cheese, creamy sauce, and chicken.
User Comments:
- "This dish was delicious! The combination of flavors was perfect."
- "The creamy sauce was so rich and delicious. The broccoli added a nice crunch."
- "I made this for my family and they loved it! Will definitely make it again."
- "The dish was very flavorful and the presentation was beautiful."
- "I added some chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture, which was a great addition."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use fresh broccoli for best results. If using frozen broccoli, make sure to steam it properly to ensure it is tender but not overcooked.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken or use vegan-friendly alternatives like mushroom diced or vegan chicken crumbles.
