Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole

There’s something truly comforting about a cheesy, baked casserole fresh out of the oven, don’t you agree? Today, I’m excited to share with you this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole that is hearty, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to prepare. Packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and smothered in gooey cheddar cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or even special family gatherings. This recipe has been a go-to in my kitchen, and I know it will be in yours too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and cleanup, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
• Versatile: You can add your favorite mix-ins like rice or pasta, or switch up the cheeses!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Who can resist a cheesy, golden crust and savory chicken goodness?
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep this casserole ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready!

The Taste

Imagine the creamy, cheesy sauce hugging each bite of chicken and broccoli, with a delightful crunch from the buttery breadcrumb topping. Every forkful offers a perfect balance of tender chicken, flavorful veggies, and a rich, savory sauce. It’s the kind of dish that will have your family asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this comforting casserole:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or sour cream for tangier flavor)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Greased 9×13 inch baking dish
• Small saucepan (for melting butter)
• Oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out perfectly golden brown.

2. Mix the Base

In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise (or sour cream), 1 cup of cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This will form the creamy, flavorful base of your casserole.

3. Combine Ingredients

Add the shredded chicken and steamed broccoli into the bowl with the soup mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and coated in the cheesy sauce.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top for that extra cheesy goodness.

5. Add the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this over the top of the casserole for a buttery, crispy finish.

6. Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown. The smell when this is in the oven is incredible!

7. Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like, and serve hot. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.

Substitutions & Additions

• Cheese: Try swapping out cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for a kick of spice!
• Protein: Use leftover turkey, ham, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Carbs: Add cooked rice, quinoa, or small pasta (like elbow macaroni) directly into the casserole before baking for an extra hearty dish.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping, or omit it entirely and opt for a cheese-only top layer.

What to Serve with This Casserole

This casserole is filling on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are a few pairing suggestions:

• A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls for some extra carb love.
• Roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts for added texture and flavor.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in foil or use a freezer-safe dish. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until heated through.
• Reheat: Warm up individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.

FAQ

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything in the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it as mentioned above.

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of steamed?
Yes, but I recommend blanching the broccoli for 2-3 minutes before adding it to the casserole. This will help it cook evenly and maintain a nice texture.

Can I double the recipe?
Sure! Just use a larger baking dish or prepare it in two separate dishes and adjust the cooking time if needed.

Conclusion

There you have it—an easy, cheesy, and downright delicious Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole that is bound to be a family favorite! With its rich flavors, crunchy topping, and hearty ingredients, this dish delivers both comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this casserole is anything but boring.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out these other fantastic chicken dishes:

• Easy Lemon Chicken
• Chicken and Potatoes with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
• Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps

I’d love to hear how your casserole turned out—be sure to leave a review and share your creations on Pinterest!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Fat: 30g
• Carbs: 12g
• Protein: 22g

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