Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a delightful broccoli chicken casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Hearty ingredients mingle together, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among vibrant green florets, promising a nutritious meal everyone will adore.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with crisp vegetable notes, offering a satisfying experience for hungry diners.

Weeknight cooking doesn’t get easier or more delicious than this simple yet impressive dish.

Home chefs can confidently tackle this recipe, knowing the result will spark smiles around the kitchen.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole Made Easy

• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients like different proteins, vegetables, or grains to match your taste preferences and pantry supplies.
• Crowd-Pleasing Goodness: A kid-friendly dish that sneaks in vegetables and protein, making it an ideal solution for parents wanting to serve a balanced meal everyone will enjoy.
• One-Dish Wonder: Streamlines meal preparation by combining all ingredients in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup time and simplifying the cooking process.

Ingredients For Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: A protein-rich meat that provides the main substance and flavor for the casserole.

• Broccoli Florets: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, texture, and health benefits to the dish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a rich and smooth foundation for the casserole.
• Milk: Helps to thin and blend the soup for a creamy consistency.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to the sauce.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, melty layer of flavor on top of the casserole.
• Breadcrumbs: Offers a crunchy texture to the dish when sprinkled on top.

• Rice, Pasta: Can be added to make the casserole more substantial and filling.

How To Prepare Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Broccoli

Steam broccoli florets until they’re tender but maintain a vibrant green color.

Drain and set aside, ensuring no excess water remains.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth consistency.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

• Cooked chicken pieces
• Steamed broccoli
• Cooked rice or pasta (optional)

Gently toss until every ingredient is perfectly coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Assemble Casserole

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the top.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Topping

Optionally, dust the surface with breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Look for bubbling edges and fully melted cheese as your doneness indicators.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, which helps it set and makes serving easier.

Slice and enjoy your comforting meal!

Pro Tips For Broccoli Chicken Casserole Success

• Avoid overcooking by steaming florets just until bright green and tender to maintain nutrients and vibrant color.
• Swap chicken with tofu, turkey, or canned tuna for different protein variations that suit dietary needs.
• Use a blend of sharp cheddar and monterey jack for a more complex, rich cheese profile in the casserole.
• Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Use low-fat dairy options like greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories without sacrificing smoothness.

Variations For Broccoli Chicken Casserole Dish

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, chickpeas, or lentils for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, swap regular pasta with quinoa or rice, and choose gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice or pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream of chicken soup, coconut milk instead of regular milk, and dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds.

Serving Suggestions For Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Comfort Food Family Night: Gather loved ones around this warm, cheesy casserole for a cozy dinner experience that feels like a hug on a plate.
• Game Day Sidekick: Serve alongside crisp green salad and crusty bread to transform this hearty casserole into a complete, satisfying meal perfect for sports watching.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks, maintaining delicious flavor and convenience.
• Potluck Superstar: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to community gatherings where its creamy texture and cheesy top will make everyone ask for the recipe.

Storage Tips For Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the casserole to prevent a watery dish.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready. It stays fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator before baking.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken breast, or leftover roasted chicken are excellent options. Use whatever cooked chicken you have on hand for convenience.

• Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful Broccoli Chicken Casserole, blending tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and creamy cheese into a hearty one-dish meal. Perfectly balanced and family-friendly, you’ll savor each cheesy, nutritious bite of this classic comfort classic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded or cubed cooked chicken
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Sauce and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup cooked rice or pasta
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Gently steam broccoli florets until they reach a tender consistency while maintaining a vibrant green color, then set aside.
3. Create a creamy base by whisking together cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until achieving a smooth texture.
4. Incorporate cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and pre-cooked rice or pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Carefully transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly.
6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface of the casserole.
7. For added textural contrast, optionally dust the top with breadcrumbs to create a crispy layer.
8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the dish becomes bubbly and the cheese melts completely.
9. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving, which helps the dish set and makes portioning easier.

Notes

• Steam broccoli briefly to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture, preventing soggy vegetables in the final dish.
• Swap cream of chicken soup with Greek yogurt or a homemade white sauce for a healthier, lower-sodium alternative that still provides creamy richness.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth to the casserole.
• Replace breadcrumbs with crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for a gluten-free topping that adds nutritional value and a delightful crunch.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg