Chicken Broccoli Crouton Casserole

INGREDIENTS

• 4 tablespoons  Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme finely chopped
• 3 to 4 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
• Black pepper
• About 6 cups cubed stale white bread , enough to fill large casserole dish
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
• Salt
• 1 large or 2 medium heads of broccoli, cut into thin florets
• 5 to 6 cups cooked chicken, 4 poached breasts, pulled or chopped
• 3 to 4 cups Cream of Celery soup

PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 400F.

Heat EVOO over medium heat in a saut pan and add butter. When it foams, add garlic, thyme, parsley and black pepper; swirl for a minute or 2.

Place bread cubes in a large bowl, toss with butter sauce and half the cheese. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake until deeply golden and crispy, 20 minutes. (Croutons can be stored in foil at room temp or in an airtight container for several days.)

Bring a couple of inches of water to a boil in a deep skillet. Salt water and add broccoli; cook to tender-crisp, 5 minutes, and drain. (Broccoli can be stored in a plastic bag for several days.)

To assemble and bake casserole, arrange croutons in a dish, top with broccoli, chickenand soup, remaining Parm cheese. Bake until hot through and golden on top, 35-40 minutes.