This Simply Southern Chicken Bake certainly packs a punch of pimiento flavor! Yes, the cheesy goodness of the “caviar of the South” is baked right into the Simply Southern Chicken Bake, giving an extra touch of charm to the savory chicken and garden-fresh broccoli! Of course, it wouldn’t be a true casserole without a crunchy cracker crust on top or without a classic creamy sauce, so this dish brings both! This casserole is the sure-fire way to make everyone happy!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups 2% milk, divided
- 8 ounces whole-grain penne pasta, cooked to al dente, according to the package directions
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
- 6 ounces reduced-fat extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimiento peppers, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup whole-grain crackers, crushed
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
Directions
Step 1 –Position an oven rack 6-inches from the heat source.
Step 2 –Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 3 –Whisk together the flour and 1 cup of the milk in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 4 –In a large broiler-safe skillet over medium-high heat, bring the remaining milk to a boil, while stirring often.
Step 5 –Reduce the heat to medium and gradually whisk in the flour mixture until smooth.
Step 6 –Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 7 –Boil the milk mixture while stirring constantly until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 8 –Stir the cooked penne pasta and the broccoli into the milk mixture until combined.
Step 9 –Cook the mixture over medium-high heat while stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green, about 2 minutes.
Step 10 –Add the chicken, the cheddar cheese, the pimiento peppers, the onion powder, the salt, and the pepper to the pasta mixture and stir until the cheese is melted.
Step 11 –Transfer the skillet from the heat.
Step 12 –Stir the crackers and the oil together in a small bowl.
Step 13 –Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture.
Step 14 –Bake in the preheated oven until the casserole is bubbly, about 15 minutes.
Step 15 –Switch the oven to broil and broil until the top is golden-brown, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 16 –Let the bake cool for 5 minutes.
Step 17 –Serve.
