Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

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By Liliya

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If you’re anything like me, you CRAVE a good comfort dish, and this Chicken Cauliflower Casserole? It’s a total WINNER. It’s like a big hug in a pan. I am sure my family can eat it at least twice per week.

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If you’re loving the cozy vibes of this Chicken Cauliflower Casserole, you HAVE to check out our Chicken Dumpling Casserole Recipe!

This dish, the famous Chicken Cauliflower Casserole, is going to become your NEW best friend. Ready? Let’s GO!

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Why This Chicken Cauliflower Casserole Will Be Your Go-To

I know, I know. The world of casseroles can be INTENSE. Sometimes they take forever. They’re all about fancy steps. Not this one! This simple recipe will change everything for you.

  • Super Simple: Just a few steps and some easy ingredients. This is the dish my husband makes on a Tuesday NIGHT.
  • Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this Chicken Cauliflower Casserole, and you know what they are.
  • Comfort Food Central: Perfect for those nights when you just need something warm and comforting. This recipe tastes GREAT the day you make it, and just as yummy later!
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Key Ingredients for Our Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

Okay, time to get REAL here. Here’s what you need to make this magical dish :

  • Chicken: 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. (I often use leftover chicken breast)
  • Cauliflower: 1 large head, cut into florets. (My mother loves this part)
  • Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheddar (or any kind you prefer!). CHEESE! It´s an amazing idea to do this with different kind of cheese every time to try new variations.
  • Milk: 1 cup of whole milk, 2% works fine. You could use half-and-half or even a splash of heavy cream if you like to make this creamy Chicken Cauliflower Casserole.
  • Flour: 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to thicken everything up. My bestie uses gluten free flower when she cooks for her boys.
  • Butter: 3 tablespoons of melted butter; we love to cook with salted one because for some reason the flavour is more intense for our palate.
  • Garlic: Two cloves of minced garlic. (A SECRET to everything in my family!).
  • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a little paprika. My mom puts some parsley at the end to make it EXTRA fancy, lol!

That’s IT! I promise there’s NOTHING wow in there. I told you that this Chicken Cauliflower Casserole is easy!

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How To Prepare this Delicious Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

Alright, time for action. Trust me; it is all VERY easy. You will want to cook this several times a month, and this happens all the time in my house because this is something we ALWAYS crave!

Prep Time: You preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish. 20 MINUTES to prep. Yes!

Cook the Cauliflower: You need to Steam the cauliflower florets for about 5-7 minutes. I try them out with a fork, they should be slightly soft but not mushy. NO soggy cauliflower! We don´t want that at all!

Mix it up: In a separate pan melt the butter. Sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes, make sure you do not burn it. Then add flour and whisk everything together, it should be cooked and a little thicker.

Make it Cheesy: Remove it from the heat and add the milk. Stir everything in the pot until there are no clumps. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in cheese. Stir until all cheese is melted, make sure is a good sauce for our famous Chicken Cauliflower Casserole.

The Layers: Place the steamed cauliflower in the baking dish. Top it with chicken. Pour cheese sauce on top of all layers and BAM!. This step always brings a smile on my face

Bake: Time to bake, go to the oven! Put the pan there for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and the top is a lovely golden brown.

Serve and ENJOY This meal can go by itself and will keep all tummies and hearts happy, guaranteed!. You just created magic and you didn´t even knew that, your awesome Chicken Cauliflower Casserole!

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Pro Tips and Variations to level your Casserole

Okay, if you wanna get a bit fancy with this famous recipe, I’ve got some tricks for this creamy and flavourful Chicken Cauliflower Casserole:

  • Spice it up: You add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
  • Add Veggies: Mix in some chopped broccoli or some carrots for extra vitamins. My sister in law adds broccoli, and believe it or not, her kids will try anything in casserole, lol!
  • Creamy Base: If you prefer the base is creamier than it should be try sour cream in small amount on top, your kids are going to LOVE the taste of this simple Chicken Cauliflower Casserole!
  • Different Cheeses: Instead of cheddar, you can do a combo. Try with provolone and mozzarella for a gooier casserole. It’s YOUR creation.
  • Add some toppings if you have breadcrumbs that go crunchy put them in the top before you take it to the oven, a mix with parmesan will add a layer of magic and amazing taste, too to make a Chicken Cauliflower Casserole like no one.
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Trust me, these simple add-ons can make a HUGE difference! My hubby calls me “ the casserole chef” now that I know about so many possibilities, thanks to my special recipe for my awesome Chicken Cauliflower Casserole.

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Make a Full Meal with our Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

This casserole is a star all on its own, but why not round it out? It will make all your guests feel amazing, and sometimes this is my number one priority in cooking: happy tummies, and a lot of LOVE involved in each recipe! That’s what you get when you prepare this Chicken Cauliflower Casserole in your house.

  • Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad. It is healthy and fresh, all those things together? You won’t ask for any other recipe on earth! When this goes alongside the amazing Chicken Cauliflower Casserole.
  • Bread: Add a piece of garlic bread on the side, you and your friends are going to thank you!. They will never ask for something else while tasting this awesome version of this yummy Casserole.
  • Veggies: A serving of green beans or peas can complete the meal perfectly. They add the fiber you might need. My neighbor cooks carrots when she is planning to serve a creamy recipe like our great Chicken Casserole.
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Perfect for Leftovers

I ABSOLUTELY adore a recipe that gives back twice. Good News, you guys! This casserole is excellent as leftovers. Seriously! You store them in your fridge for 2 or 3 days. Enjoy leftovers as yummy as freshly baked when using the right trick to reheat this yummy Chicken Cauliflower Casserole.

Pro Tip: When reheating in the microwave or oven, put a small bowl with water and that will keep your leftovers moisture and very juicy! The taste will be preserved just the same! This goes for any leftovers. This makes our life SO much easier, believe me.

This easy and delicious way to cook makes a life better. This works perfectly if you live on a go because time saving tricks are all we ask for in the mornings, aren’t they? Especially because after using them all, we’ll get to eat our beloved Chicken Casserole.

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My Story with this Chicken Cauliflower Casserole:

Honestly? I made this Chicken Cauliflower Casserole for the first time as a total whim. Needed to use my left-over roast chicken from sunday lunch and wanted to use all things in the fridge. I just mixed it up all in a bowl, it came out DELICIOUS. Now my friends ask me to make this each time we gather together to do our book club session or simply when someone says ‘let’s cook something for the party” my Chicken Cauliflower Casserole is my ALWAYS number one choice. I´m so glad that my family loves it and you will all soon, too. This dish became a way to spend time cooking and creating wonderful moments with my loved ones! That’s exactly what you are going to get in your house after you start cooking this famous  Casserole.

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Your New Favorite Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

There you have it, my friend! This Chicken Cauliflower Casserole isn’t just another recipe; it is my easy go to for comfort when I want a yummy meal. Its simple preparation will make everyone in the house cook more often. So what are you waiting for?

This easy-to-make and crowd-pleasing dish deserves a top spot in everyone’s cookbook. I promise once you cook it and your family or friends try, this is going to be part of your everyday. Don’t forget this Chicken Cauliflower Casserole as one of your new weekly routines

That’s it, guys! It is SO easy that sometimes I just do this one without measuring or thinking. I just do and somehow comes out incredible. This might happen to you and your beloved ones when this becomes part of your weekly routines! This makes everyone VERY happy in our family and this will happen to yours, too, for sure!

Enjoy!

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FAQs

Can I make this Chicken Cauliflower Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole a day before you plan to cook. Just cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge, it can last from one to two days!. When ready to cook it add the final cheesy step on top and bake until golden brown.

Can I freeze this Chicken Cauliflower Casserole?

I´m so sorry for the bad news, not recommended! Cream-based sauces sometimes change their consistency when you put them in freezer so when you want to defrost it can become gooey or the cauliflower won´t be firm.

Can I use different types of cheese for this?

100%! Mix cheeses or any kind that you like and that melts easily can create wonders. Try experimenting a little with what you have in the fridge each time to get even more familiar with your palate and create your very unique flavour with this special recipe for Chicken Cauliflower Casserole.

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this Chicken Cauliflower Casserole?

Totally! If you want to save time rotisserie chicken works wonders, also make sure the chicken that is left over from yesterday’s dinner won’t go wasted by making a delicious new version in your Chicken Cauliflower Casserole. That’s something great, always.

Can I add more veggies to this Chicken Cauliflower Casserole?

Yes! The great advantage of cooking casseroles are that they give you lots of freedom, they´re easy to create and modify. They’re all welcome and you should always cook them in your own special way. Add spinach, carrots, peas or the vegetables your loved ones enjoy, that will turn this recipe extra special, adding your special magic in your own delicious Chicken Cauliflower Casserole

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