Irresistible Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole that promises to satisfy your hunger with minimal effort.

Busy weeknights call for simple yet delicious meals that bring everyone to the table.

My grandmother’s secret recipe blends tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a golden cheese sauce that melts perfectly.

Each bite tells a story of home-cooked goodness and warmth.

Rich, creamy textures combine with wholesome ingredients to create a dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Protein-packed and loaded with vegetables, this casserole delivers nutrition without compromising on flavor.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when you crave something hearty and comforting.

Why Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole Is A Family Favorite

• Whip Up a Comfort Meal: This cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole delivers pure comfort food magic with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and satisfying.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on what's in your pantry – use leftover rotisserie chicken, different cheese varieties, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Quick and Nourishing Dinner Solution: Ready in under an hour, this one-dish wonder packs protein, vegetables, and grains into a single, kid-friendly meal that'll please the entire family without creating a mountain of dishes.
• Budget-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Uses affordable, accessible ingredients like chicken, rice, and broccoli, making it an economical option that doesn't sacrifice flavor or nutrition for families watching their grocery spending.

Ingredients For Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

• Chicken: Provides the main protein source, tender and flavorful.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds rich, creamy texture and enhances overall flavor.

• Broccoli Florets: Brings fresh, green nutrition and slight crunch to the dish.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness.
• Garlic: Provides intense, savory undertone to the casserole.

• Rice: Serves as a hearty, filling base for the casserole.
• Milk: Creates smooth, creamy consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers rich, melty cheese flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers sharp, salty topping with crispy texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides optional crunchy top layer.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing aromatics.

• Garlic Powder: Enhances overall garlic flavor.
• Onion Powder: Adds additional savory note.
• Salt: Balances and heightens other flavors.
• Black Pepper: Provides mild, warming spice.

How To Make Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole Step-By-Step

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil or a gentle butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Green Goodness

Get your broccoli ready by giving it a quick steam bath. Toss the florets into boiling water for 3-4 minutes until they’re tender-crisp and maintain their bright green color. If you’re using rice, cook it according to the package instructions.

Step 3: Dance With Aromatics

Splash some olive oil into a skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and let them sizzle and soften for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it release its magical fragrance for about 30 seconds. Take the skillet off the heat.

Step 4: Create The Flavor Fusion

• Cooked chicken
• Fluffy rice
• Steamed broccoli
• Sauteed onions
• Garlic
• Cream of chicken soup
• Milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix everything until each ingredient is happily coated and mingling.

Step 5: Build Your Casserole Masterpiece

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly like a delicious blanket. For extra pizzazz, sprinkle grated Parmesan and breadcrumbs on top for a crispy crown.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bubble and transform for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese melts into a golden dream and the top turns a beautiful light golden brown.

Step 7: Serve With Love

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes – this helps it set and makes serving easier. Pair it with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread for a complete, soul-warming meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Pro Tips To Get Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole Creamy And Good

• Boost Broccoli Flavor: Roast broccoli florets with a drizzle of olive oil and garlic before adding to the casserole for an enhanced, slightly charred taste that adds depth to the dish.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even canned tuna for a quick protein variation that keeps the casserole exciting and adaptable to your pantry ingredients.
• Create Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or almond meal to make the casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation super easy.
• Lighten Up the Dish: Substitute cream of chicken soup with Greek yogurt and low-fat cheese to reduce calories while maintaining the creamy, comforting texture of the classic casserole.

How To Store Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole Easily

• Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Seal tightly to prevent moisture and preserve flavor integrity.
• Cool the dish completely before storing to minimize bacterial growth and maintain texture.
• Reheat portions in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Avoid freezing this casserole, as dairy-based sauces can separate and lose their creamy consistency when thawed.
• For best quality, consume within the recommended refrigeration timeframe and always check for any signs of spoilage before reheating.
• When reheating, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee food safety and enjoyable eating experience.

What Pairs Best With Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Complement the creamy, cheesy casserole with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, which cuts through the richness and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Serve Zesty Green Salad: Create a light side of mixed greens with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole's warm, comforting flavors.
• Add Garlic Herb Bread: Enhance the meal with crusty, toasted garlic bread that provides a crunchy texture and absorbs the delicious cheesy sauce, creating a perfect accompaniment.
• Pour Craft Beer Pairing: Select a mild, crisp pilsner or wheat beer that won't overpower the casserole's delicate chicken and cheese flavors, offering a smooth drinking experience.

New Twists On Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

• Mediterranean Chicken Broccoli Bake: Swap traditional ingredients with feta cheese, kalamata olives, and add sundried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired flavor profile. Sprinkle oregano and fresh parsley to enhance the Mediterranean essence.
• Spicy Southwest Casserole: Incorporate diced green chiles, jalapeños, and replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese. Mix in black beans and corn for a zesty southwestern kick that brings bold, exciting flavors to the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace rice with riced cauliflower to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version. Use rotisserie chicken for added convenience and top with crispy bacon bits for extra texture and protein.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed almond flour crackers. Choose gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.

FAQs About Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

• Why use cream of chicken soup in this casserole?

Cream of chicken soup provides a creamy, rich base that helps bind all the ingredients together and adds a delicious, savory flavor to the entire dish without requiring complex sauce-making skills.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works perfectly in this recipe. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture from making the dish watery.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, this cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole is a total kid-pleaser! The combination of cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and mild broccoli makes it a crowd-favorite that even picky eaters tend to enjoy.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

To boost the nutritional value, use low-fat cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat cheese, swap white rice for brown rice, and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase the nutrient content.

Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole, blending tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and melted cheese into a satisfying one-dish wonder. Creamy, hearty, and perfect for family dinners, you’ll savor each comforting, cheesy bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Carbohydrates:

• 2 cups (280 g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 2 cups (400 g) cooked white rice (or brown rice)
• 2 cups (200 g) broccoli florets, steamed or blanched

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 300 g) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking lubricant to prevent sticking.
2. Transform broccoli florets into tender morsels through quick steaming, ensuring they maintain a vibrant emerald hue. Simultaneously, craft perfectly fluffy rice according to package guidance.
3. Ignite olive oil in a skillet, gently caramelizing chopped onions until translucent and aromatic. Introduce minced garlic for a brief moment, allowing its essence to permeate the kitchen atmosphere.
4. Choreograph a flavor symphony by blending shredded chicken, precisely cooked rice, emerald broccoli fragments, sautéed aromatics, cream of chicken essence, dairy liquid, sharp cheddar shreds, garlic and onion powders, and seasoning agents into a harmonious mixture.
5. Distribute the culinary composition evenly across the prepared baking receptacle, creating a uniform landscape. Embellish the surface with a delicate sprinkle of parmesan granules and crisp breadcrumb fragments for textural intrigue.
6. Slide the assembled creation into the heated oven, allowing 25-30 minutes of transformative cooking. Watch for molten cheese rivers, bubbling edges, and a golden-kissed surface signaling perfect doneness.
7. Permit the casserole a brief moment ofRestBefore serving, allowing flavors to harmonize. Present alongside a crisp salad or warm garlic-infused bread for a complete gastronomic experience.

Notes

• Broccoli Brilliance: Steam the broccoli just until bright green to maintain its nutritional value and prevent soggy texture in the casserole.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap chicken with rotisserie, leftover, or canned chicken for quick preparation, or use turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Cheese Mastery: Mix different cheese varieties like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss to create a more complex flavor profile and enhance the creamy consistency.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers to make the dish celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg