Looking for a cozy, family-friendly broccoli casserole that’s creamy, cheesy, and weeknight-easy? Try this chicken broccoli casserole with tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a velvety sauce. It’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a simple dinner at home.
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Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Chicken broccoli casserole is my favorite dish when I want maximum comfort with minimal fuss. This comfort dish combines tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce. It has everything you need for a meal: protein, fats, and carbohydrates, with notable nutritional benefits.
I start with cooked chicken (shredded or diced), then fold it into a creamy base to keep everything luscious. Broccoli brings a bright, fresh bite. I lightly steam it to keep a little crunch so it doesn’t go mushy in the oven.
Broccoli casserole with chicken is my go-to for feeding a crowd because it scales beautifully. I can assemble it ahead, cover, refrigerate, then bake just before dinner. Leftovers reheat easily and freeze well, too.
You can serve this chicken broccoli casserole with garlic bread or buttered dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness.
For heartier pairings, try mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes for extra coziness. The dish also goes well with honey-glazed carrots, green beans, purple cabbage slaw, or roasted asparagus.
Here’s how to make chicken broccoli casserole:
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 3 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 1 can cream of chicken soup cream of chicken soup (low-fat or regular)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs optional for topping
- 1/2 cup sour cream optional for creaminess
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, blanched broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Optionally, add a layer of breadcrumbs on top for some crunch.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat sour cream and cheese.
- For added flavor, try adding some herbs such as thyme or parsley.
- Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade creamy sauce (using milk and flour) for a healthier alternative.
- Feel free to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
This chicken broccoli casserole has many versions. Here are some ideas to try:
- Extra Cheesy Upgrade packs in a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and a little cream cheese for ultra-creamy pull and a tangy finish.
- Ritz Cracker Crunch adds a buttery crushed-cracker topping mixed with melted butter for a golden, craggy crust.
- Panko Parmesan Topping uses panko breadcrumbs tossed with grated Parmesan and olive oil for a lighter, extra-crispy finish.
- Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Bake stirs in cooked white rice or brown rice so the casserole becomes a complete one-pan meal.
- Noodle Casserole Twist folds in cooked egg noodles and a bit more sauce to keep everything silky and scoopable.
- Healthier Lightened-Up swaps in Greek yogurt for mayo, uses reduced-sodium soup, and leans on extra broccoli and rotisserie chicken breast.
- Spicy Kick stirs in cayenne or crushed red pepper and a handful of pepper jack for gentle heat throughout.
- Bacon and Scallion Boost sprinkles crisp bacon and sliced scallions over the top for smoky crunch and fresh oniony pop.
- Lemon-Herb Fresh Take finishes with lemon zest, parsley, and a squeeze of juice to brighten the creamy base without overpowering it.
- Low-carb Version with just the classic combination of broccoli, chicken, and cheddar.