Chicken Broccoli Casserole – A Comforting Classic

You know that one dinner that everyone actually eats? Yep, this is it. Cheesy, creamy, and packed with chicken and broccoli.

We make this when we want something easy and warm and sooo good. It’s got tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a cheesy top that’s just, wow. Total comfort food.

I love how fast it comes together. Just toss it in the oven and boom—dinner’s done. And the leftovers? Even better.

So yeah, let’s make it. One dish, all the cozy. You’re gonna love this.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love this cheesy, creamy casserole!
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal prep, easy cleanup, and everything bakes in one dish.
• Great for Meal Prep: Store leftovers for quick meals all week long.
• Customizable: Swap ingredients or add extras to suit your taste.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this Chicken Broccoli Casserole, you’ll need:

• Large mixing bowl – For combining ingredients.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – To bake the casserole evenly.
• Whisk – To mix the sauce smoothly.
• Large skillet – For pre-cooking chicken if needed.
• Saucepan – To lightly steam the broccoli (optional).

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich and creamy dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces. Cooked rotisserie chicken works great too!
• Broccoli – Fresh broccoli florets give the best texture, but frozen broccoli works as well.
• Cooked Rice – White or brown rice provides a hearty base for the casserole.

Creamy Sauce Ingredients:

• Cream of Chicken Soup – Creates a rich and creamy texture. Substitute with cream of mushroom soup if preferred.
• Sour Cream – Adds tangy creaminess.
• Milk – Helps thin out the sauce slightly while keeping it smooth.
• Garlic (Minced) – Enhances flavor with a delicious savory touch.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for balancing flavors.

Toppings for Extra Flavor:

• Cheddar Cheese (Shredded) – Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy topping.
• Breadcrumbs – Creates a crispy golden topping when combined with melted butter.
• Butter (Melted) – Helps toast the breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Variations for Chicken Broccoli Casserole

• Low-Carb Version: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely.
• Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for more nutrients.
• Protein Boost: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Chicken Broccoli Casserole!

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Cook the rice according to package instructions if you haven’t already. Set it aside.
• Pre-cook the chicken (if using raw). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced chicken with a little salt and pepper until no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). If using rotisserie chicken, simply shred it.
• Steam the broccoli for 2-3 minutes in a saucepan with boiling water or microwave it for about 2 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
• Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the rest for topping.

3. Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the cooked rice, diced chicken, and broccoli evenly.
• Pour the creamy sauce mixture over everything and gently stir to combine.

4. Add Toppings

• Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
• In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole for a crispy golden crust.

5. Bake the Casserole

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend and makes it easier to scoop.

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Casserole

This rich and cheesy casserole is satisfying on its own, but you can serve it with:

• Side Salad – A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Garlic Bread – For extra comfort!
• Steamed Vegetables – Like roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Broccoli Casserole

How to Store Leftovers

This casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep!

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the casserole (before or after baking) in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

How to Reheat

• Microwave: Heat individual servings for 1-2 minutes until warm.
• Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• From Frozen: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, covered with foil. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to crisp up the top.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition per serving (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~400 kcal
Protein	~30g
Carbs	~35g
Fat	~18g
Fiber	~3g

(Values may vary depending on ingredients used.)

Chicken Broccoli Casserole FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I make this casserole healthier?

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Swap brown rice or quinoa for white rice.
• Use reduced-fat cheese and low-sodium soup.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them altogether. Also, check that your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Chicken Broccoli Casserole is the perfect comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, potluck, or meal prep, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Try it today and enjoy a warm, hearty meal!