The Coziest Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe for Comfort Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with a creamy broccoli chicken casserole that promises to satisfy every hungry appetite.

Tender chicken pieces blend perfectly with vibrant green broccoli florets in this hearty dish.

Cheesy, rich layers create a mouthwatering combination that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Each forkful delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

The casserole emerges from the oven golden and bubbling, tempting everyone at the table with its irresistible aroma.

Packed with protein and vegetables, this one-pan meal offers a balanced and delicious solution for busy weeknight dinners.

Gather your ingredients and prepare to become the kitchen hero your family will cheer for.

What You Need for Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: Provides the main protein source for the casserole and adds hearty flavor.

• Broccoli Florets: Adds nutritious green vegetable and creates a fresh texture to the dish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Milk: Creates a rich and creamy base that binds the casserole ingredients together.

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

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a melty and flavorful cheese layer on top of the casserole.
• Breadcrumbs: Offers a crispy and crunchy texture to the dish.

• Cooked Rice: Adds substance and helps to make the casserole more filling.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole Made Simple

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for some culinary magic.

Step 2: Prep the Green Goodness

Transform broccoli florets into tender, vibrant bites by steaming or blanching them until they’re just slightly soft.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

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

Blend these ingredients until they’re smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Mix the Hearty Filling

• Cooked chicken pieces
• Steamed broccoli
• Cooked rice (optional but recommended)

Ensure everything is evenly coated and combined.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the entire mixture, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Add the Cheesy Crown

Sprinkle a luxurious layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the top, covering every inch.

Step 7: Optional Crunchy Topping

For extra texture, scatter breadcrumbs over the cheese if you’re feeling adventurous.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

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

Watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden landscape.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Pull the casserole out, let it cool for 5 minutes, then serve this comforting dish while it’s warm and inviting.

Tips for a Cheesy Chicken Bake

• Steam broccoli just until bright green and slightly crisp to maintain a perfect texture without becoming mushy.
• Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that keeps the dish protein-rich and satisfying.
• Add a splash of white wine or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the casserole's overall taste profile.
• Mix different cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan for a more complex and creamy melted topping.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient weeknight meal.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole Variations to Love

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce carbohydrates and increase protein.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, coconut milk instead of regular milk, and dairy-free cream of mushroom soup for those with lactose intolerance.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed almond flour to create a celiac-friendly casserole while maintaining a crispy topping.

How to Serve Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Family Feast Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that adds freshness.
• Protein Power Plate: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or steamed green beans to boost vegetable intake and create a nutritionally complete dinner.
• Comfort Carb Partner: Add warm crusty bread or garlic rolls to soak up the creamy sauce, making the meal more satisfying and enjoyable for the whole family.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Transform leftovers into a delightful breakfast by topping with a fried egg and fresh chopped herbs for an unexpected morning treat.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole Storage Solutions

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying, then bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

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 excess moisture.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and check breadcrumbs if you want a gluten-free version. Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

• What type of chicken works best for this casserole?

Rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken breast, or leftover grilled chicken all work great. The key is using pre-cooked, tender chicken pieces.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole’s Winning Features

• Whip Up Quickly: A no-fuss meal that comes together in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein from chicken, fiber from broccoli, and calcium from cheese, this casserole delivers a balanced meal that keeps everyone satisfied and healthy.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows you to swap ingredients, add extra veggies, or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, this casserole brings warmth and joy to the dinner table, making it a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nutrition in this hearty Broccoli Chicken Casserole, blending tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and creamy cheese into a satisfying meal. Homemade goodness fills each forkful, inviting you to savor a classic dish that warms both body and soul.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Vegetables:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup cooked rice

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk

Seasonings and Topping:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Gently steam broccoli florets until they reach a crisp-tender texture, maintaining their vibrant green color and slight crunch.
3. Whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
4. Fold in the diced cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and pre-cooked rice, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
5. Carefully transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer.
6. Generously shower the top with shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface for maximum cheesy goodness.
7. For added texture, sprinkle a light layer of breadcrumbs over the cheese, creating a delightful golden-brown crust.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop a slightly bubbling, golden appearance.
9. Once finished, remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, helping the ingredients set and cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Choose fresh broccoli with vibrant green color and firm texture to ensure maximum nutritional value and crispness in the casserole.
• Opt for rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth to the dish.
• Consider using low-fat cream of chicken soup and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier version without compromising taste.
• Customize the casserole by adding vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to increase nutritional variety and create a more colorful meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 288 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg