After a long day, there’s nothing better than a warm, comforting meal. Chicken Broccoli Casserole combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s sure to make you feel right at home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or meal prepping for the week ahead. This timeless dish is a family favorite, and once you try it, you’ll see why.
Why We Love This Chicken Broccoli Casserole
There’s something about casseroles that just screams comfort. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a dish to feed a crowd, Chicken Broccoli Casserole checks all the boxes. Here’s why it’s so beloved:
Hearty and Satisfying
Packed with lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the broccoli, and rich, creamy flavors, this casserole is both filling and nutritious. It’s a balanced meal that combines protein, vegetables, and healthy fats in one dish. Plus, it’s comforting enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Easy to Make
The best part? This casserole is incredibly easy to put together. It’s a no-fuss recipe that uses simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. With minimal prep time, you can have a delicious dinner ready in under an hour. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe simple to follow.
Perfect for Meal Prepping
Chicken Broccoli Casserole is also perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or even freeze it for later. It reheats beautifully, making it a great option for busy days when you don’t feel like cooking.
Customizable
One of the reasons this casserole is so versatile is that it can be easily adapted to suit different tastes. Whether you want to make it spicier, add more veggies, or use a different type of cheese, there are plenty of ways to make this dish your own.
Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Chicken Breast or Thighs – Cooked and shredded chicken gives the casserole a tender texture.
Broccoli Florets – Fresh, steamed broccoli provides a nice crunch and flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds a creamy base for the casserole.
Cheddar Cheese – Shredded cheddar melts beautifully, giving a cheesy topping.
Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess to the casserole sauce.
Pepper – Adds a mild heat to balance the dish.
Breadcrumbs – Gives a crispy topping.
Olive Oil – Helps make the breadcrumbs crispy.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to make this Chicken Broccoli Casserole. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and is ready when you are.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
Next, steam the broccoli florets until they’re just tender, about 4-5 minutes. You want them to still have a bit of crunch, so don’t overcook them. If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it completely to avoid excess moisture.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, now is the time. You can bake, grill, or sauté the chicken until it’s fully cooked. Once it’s done, shred it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
Step 4: Mix the Casserole Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
Step 5: Transfer to a Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the chicken and broccoli mixture into it. Spread it out evenly so that every bite has a balanced amount of chicken, broccoli, and cheese.
Step 6: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil. Stir to coat the breadcrumbs, then sprinkle them evenly over the casserole. Finally, top it with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 7: Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. The cheese should be melted and the breadcrumbs should be crispy.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a faster option, rotisserie chicken works perfectly. It adds extra flavor and saves time on cooking.
Blanch the Broccoli: If you want to keep the broccoli vibrant and tender, blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding it to the casserole.
Add Extra Veggies: You can easily sneak in other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or even spinach to boost the nutrition and flavor.
Make Ahead: This casserole is a great make-ahead meal. Simply assemble it the day before, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven.
Variations of Chicken Broccoli Casserole
While this Chicken Broccoli Casserole is already amazing, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are some ideas for variations:
Low-Carb Version
Skip the breadcrumbs and use cauliflower rice as a base for a low-carb alternative. It’s a great way to keep the dish just as comforting without the extra carbs.
Creamy Garlic Version
Love garlic? Add more garlic powder, or even minced garlic, to the casserole for an extra punch of flavor. You could also use garlic cream cheese instead of regular mayo for an extra creamy, garlicky twist.
Gluten-Free Option
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. It’s an easy swap that won’t sacrifice flavor or texture.
Spicy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
For those who like a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the casserole. It’s a simple way to elevate the flavor with some spice.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your Chicken Broccoli Casserole is fresh out of the oven, it’s time to serve it up. Here are a few ideas to complete the meal:
A Light Side Salad: Pair the casserole with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
Garlic Bread: A side of crispy garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the creamy casserole sauce.
Roasted Potatoes: Serve it alongside some roasted potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes chicken broccoli casserole creamy?
The combination of cream of chicken soup and mayonnaise creates a rich, creamy base that perfectly complements the chicken and broccoli. This creamy texture is one of the reasons why the casserole is so comforting.
How can I make chicken broccoli casserole healthier?
To make it lighter, use low-fat mayo, skip the cheese topping, and opt for a lighter soup base like fat-free cream of chicken.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this casserole?
Yes, frozen broccoli works just fine. Make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Can I add other vegetables to chicken broccoli casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or spinach to make the casserole even more nutritious.
chicken broccoli casserole
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Broccoli Florets cooked and shredded
- 4 cups Broccoli Florets steamed
- 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1.5 cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 0.5 cups Mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 0.5 cups Breadcrumbs for topping
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil to coat breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Additional Shredded Cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Steam the broccoli florets until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken (if not already cooked), then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle over the casserole, then top with additional shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.