Cozy Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting a delightful broccoli chicken casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Memories of home-cooked meals dance through this simple yet satisfying dish.

Crisp broccoli florets blend perfectly with tender chicken pieces in a creamy sauce.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, nourishing solutions that keep everyone happy and satisfied.

Cheese melts into golden layers, creating a rich and inviting texture.

Hearty ingredients combine to create a meal that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Each forkful promises warmth and deliciousness you won’t want to miss.

Ingredient Lineup For Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: Tender, shredded meat provides the main protein for the casserole, best when pre-cooked and cooled.
• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and texture to the dish, can use frozen if fresh is unavailable.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Classic base that adds rich, smooth consistency to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Contributes tangy flavor and creamy texture.
• Mayonnaise: Helps create a smooth, rich sauce with additional depth.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides sharp, cheesy flavor, extra for topping recommended.

• Garlic Powder: Adds warm, aromatic flavor without fresh garlic chunks.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle onion essence throughout the dish.
• Paprika: Offers mild, sweet pepper flavor and attractive color.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional crispy topping for extra texture.
• Melted Butter: Helps breadcrumbs brown and become golden and crunchy.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole Prep Method

Step 1: Prep The Cooking Space

Warm up your oven to a cozy 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Tender Up The Broccoli

Steam those green florets until they’re bright and just tender.

Drain them and set aside, letting them cool down a bit.

Step 3: Whip Up The Creamy Sauce

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

Stir everything until it’s smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Mix The Hearty Filling

• Cooked chicken pieces
• Steamed broccoli
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Ensure everything gets a lovely coating of the creamy mixture.

Step 5: Build The Casserole

Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Spread it out evenly and sprinkle an extra handful of cheese on top for that irresistible golden layer.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Topping (Optional)

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter.

Sprinkle this golden goodness over the casserole for an extra crispy texture.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

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

You’re looking for a bubbly, golden-brown top that screams comfort food.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes.

This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the warm, creamy deliciousness!

Broccoli Chicken Casserole Tips for a Balanced Bake

• Steam broccoli just until tender-crisp to maintain vibrant color and prevent mushiness, ensuring perfect texture in your casserole.
• Swap cheddar with gruyère, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses for unique flavor profiles that complement the chicken and broccoli.
• Replace chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary flexibility and added nutrition.
• Experiment with panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch and different textural experiences.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making meal planning easier and more convenient.

Chill Broccoli Chicken Casserole And Warm Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed casserole can stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen casserole remains good for up to 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying and heat for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture if needed.

Serving Ideas with Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Perfectly Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc's bright acidity cuts through the creamy casserole, balancing its rich flavors and complementing the chicken and broccoli.
• Serve With Herbed Garlic Bread: Crusty bread with fresh herbs and garlic provides a delightful crunchy texture that enhances the casserole's creamy consistency and absorbs the delicious sauce.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: A light, tangy salad with mixed greens, vinaigrette dressing creates a refreshing contrast to the hearty, cheesy casserole, adding nutritional balance and palate-cleansing elements.
• Recommend Chilled Chardonnay: Buttery Chardonnay echoes the creamy sauce's richness, its smooth profile harmonizing perfectly with the casserole's cheesy, comforting flavors.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole with Cheesy Mix-Ins

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, ensuring a protein-packed vegetarian version that maintains the creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Comfort: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour, and substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade low-carb cream sauce to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, coconut cream instead of sour cream, and choose a dairy-free cream of chicken soup substitute to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Select gluten-free cream of chicken soup, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers, and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with celiac needs.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain it completely before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

• How do I ensure the chicken is properly cooked?

Use pre-cooked, shredded chicken or cook chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before adding to the casserole.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice cereal.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole For A Full Meal

• Quick Family Meal: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner ready in under an hour without complicated preparation steps.
• Nutritious Comfort Food: Combines lean protein from chicken with fiber-rich broccoli, creating a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to modify with different cheese varieties, add extra vegetables, or swap protein types to suit family preferences and dietary needs.
• Minimal Kitchen Cleanup: One-dish recipe that reduces dishwashing time and simplifies cooking process, making it ideal for home cooks seeking convenience and efficiency.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty broccoli chicken casserole delivers comfort on a plate with creamy layers of tender chicken and crisp vegetables. Cheesy goodness and golden breadcrumb topping invite you to savor each comforting, satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 4 cups (960 ml) fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

Creamy Base Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs (optional)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Transform broccoli florets into a tender-crisp state through quick steaming, then carefully drain and reserve for later use.
3. Craft a creamy sauce foundation by whisking together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, and a harmonious blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Gently incorporate cooked chicken pieces, steamed broccoli, and shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly coated and distributed evenly.
5. Carefully transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into a uniform layer and generously garnishing the surface with an additional sprinkle of shredded cheese.
6. For an optional crispy dimension, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and delicately scatter the mixture across the casserole’s surface.
7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake until the edges bubble enthusiastically and the top achieves a golden-brown complexion, typically requiring 25-30 minutes of cooking time.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest briefly, letting the intense flavors settle and the temperature moderate before serving.

Notes

• Opt for low-fat dairy alternatives like Greek yogurt and light cream soup to reduce calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that keeps the dish’s rich, comforting profile.
• Create a gluten-free adaptation by using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Maximize nutrition by using fresh broccoli and allowing minimal steaming to retain maximum vitamins and crisp texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg