Chicken and Broccoli Skillet Meal

from Scott Sutherland
@ifyougiveamanapan

The weather’s getting cooler and comfort food is calling my name. This evening I made this chicken and broccoli casserole which is always a family favorite and people pleaser.

Chicken and Broccoli Skillet Meal

• Servings: approx. 6
• Time: 30 minutes
• Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup fresh broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
• 3 cups medium pasta shells, cooked accordinging to package
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided

Directions

Preheat oven to broil.

In a 10″ cast-iron skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and let drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings in skillet.

Add broccoli to skillet. Cook until bright green and heated (approximately 2-3 minutes.) Remove from skillet.

Add butter to skillet and melt over medium heat. Add garlic and flour, whisking to combine. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened. Stir in 1 cup cheese until melted. Stir in cooked pasta, cooked chicken, salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, bacon, and broccoli. Top with remaining 1 cup cheese.

Broil until cheese begins to brown (approximately 2 minutes.) Sprinkle with remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper.

A few years ago I found a discarded set of Lodge cast-iron skillets. I imagine they were probably a wedding present and the recipient just wasn’t into cleaning and seasoning the skillets (which admittedly takes some practice.) Thankfully they were thoughtful enough to place the skillets next to the dumpster instead of inside of it, assuming some insane person would actually WANT such a crazy thing. And want it I did! I researched, cleaned and seasoned the skillets thoroughly and we’ve been traveling partners ever since. We’ve made a lot of delicious meals and desserts together over the years but what’s the fun in cooking if not sharing with friends?!

I have started a new Instagram account (@ifyougiveamanapan) to share some of my favorite cast-iron skillet recipes. They might not be fancy, but I promise your family will be coming back for seconds (three or four times.)

E N J O Y!

~ Scott