Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Imagine the aroma of savory chicken and tender broccoli blanketed in a creamy, cheesy sauce that bubbles to golden perfection in your oven. This Chicken Broccoli Casserole is comfort food at its finest—a hearty, satisfying dish that brings together protein, vegetables, and irresistible flavors in one convenient baking dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this versatile casserole delivers both nutrition and taste without complicated techniques. You’ll learn how to create a foolproof Chicken Broccoli Casserole that will become a regular request in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Broccoli Casserole hits all the right notes for a memorable family meal. The contrast between the tender chunks of chicken and the slight crunch of perfectly cooked broccoli creates a textural experience that keeps every bite interesting. The velvety sauce, enriched with two types of cheese, coats each component beautifully, delivering richness without being overly heavy.

What makes this casserole truly special is its adaptability. You can prepare it ahead of time and simply bake when needed, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of protein-rich chicken and nutrient-packed broccoli means you’re serving a balanced meal in one dish—no need for multiple sides or complicated meal planning.

Home cooks particularly appreciate how this broccoli chicken bake transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, it comes together with minimal effort. The comforting aroma that fills your home as it bakes is just a bonus to the delicious meal that awaits.

Ingredients

For this classic Chicken Broccoli Casserole, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 6 cups (450g) fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 can (10.5 oz/300g) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (90g) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons (30g) butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The cream of chicken soup provides a rich base for the sauce, while the combination of cheddar and mozzarella creates that perfect cheese pull everyone loves in a good casserole. Fresh broccoli is recommended for optimal texture, but frozen will work in a pinch (just thaw and drain well first).

Pro Tips

Tip 1: Precook Your Broccoli Properly
The key to perfect broccoli in your Chicken Broccoli Casserole is to blanch it just right. Boil the florets for exactly 2 minutes, then immediately plunge them into ice water. This “shocking” process stops the cooking and preserves the bright green color while ensuring the broccoli will be tender (but not mushy) after baking. Drain thoroughly—excess moisture is the enemy of a good casserole.

Tip 2: Season Each Component
Layer flavors by seasoning at every stage. Season the chicken before cooking, add a pinch of salt to the broccoli water, and taste the sauce before assembly. This builds depth that makes your cheesy broccoli chicken casserole stand out from basic versions. Remember that cheese adds saltiness, so adjust accordingly.

Tip 3: Create Texture Contrast
For that restaurant-quality finish, mix your panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and a touch of garlic powder before sprinkling on top. This creates a golden, crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. For even more texture, consider toasting 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (almonds or pecans work well) and adding them to the topping mixture.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the broccoli. Meanwhile, cut your chicken into even, bite-sized pieces and chop the broccoli into similarly sized florets for consistent cooking. Having everything ready before you start cooking will make the process much smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink in the center, about 5-6 minutes. The chicken should be just cooked through but not overcooked, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli
Drop the broccoli florets into the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. After 1 minute, drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. This step ensures your broccoli retains its color and texture in the final Chicken Broccoli Casserole.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the condensed soup, sour cream, milk, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella, stirring until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Arrange the chicken and broccoli evenly over the sauce, then pour the remaining sauce over the top, ensuring everything is well coated. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and toss until evenly moistened. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the casserole, followed by the buttered breadcrumbs.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Let the Chicken Broccoli Casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Variations

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Transform this dish by adding 2 cups of cooked rice to the mixture. The rice absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully and makes the casserole even more substantial. For best results, use long-grain white rice or brown rice for a nuttier flavor and additional fiber. Simply fold the cooked rice into the sauce before layering with the chicken and broccoli, and you may need to add an extra 1/4 cup of milk to account for the rice’s absorption.

Lightened-Up Version
For a healthier take on Chicken Broccoli Casserole, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream, use low-fat milk, and reduce the cheese by 1/3 (compensating with a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor). Replace the condensed soup with a homemade version using 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 1 cup of chicken broth simmered until thickened. This variation retains the comfort food appeal while reducing calories and fat.

Mediterranean Twist
Add Mediterranean flair by incorporating 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 cup of kalamata olives, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Substitute feta for the mozzarella and finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil instead of parsley. This variation creates a totally different flavor profile while maintaining the beloved creamy, cheesy characteristics of the original recipe.

Storage and Serving

This Chicken Broccoli Casserole keeps beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months—just allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

For a complete meal, serve this casserole alongside a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A slice of crusty garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up any extra sauce.

For an elegant presentation, portion the casserole into individual ramekins before baking—reducing the cooking time by about 5 minutes—and top each serving with a sprig of fresh herbs. This method works especially well for dinner parties where you want to elevate the presentation of this comforting classic.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or cube about 3-4 cups of meat and skip the chicken cooking step. This makes the Chicken Broccoli Casserole even quicker to prepare on busy weeknights.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready to serve, add about 10 minutes to the covered baking time since you’ll be starting with a cold dish. The breadcrumb topping is best added just before baking to maintain its crunch.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Frozen broccoli works, but will yield a slightly different texture. Thaw completely and pat very dry before using to prevent excess water from making your casserole soggy. You can skip the blanching step when using frozen broccoli.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer to avoid condensed soup, make a quick white sauce by melting 3 tablespoons of butter, whisking in 3 tablespoons of flour until golden, then gradually adding 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of milk, simmering until thickened.

How can I tell when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling, the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out hot. If using a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

This Chicken Broccoli Casserole is comfort food at its finest — creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and nutritious broccoli in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles, perfect for busy weeknights yet special enough for Sunday dinner. The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity and adaptability; once you master the basic recipe, you can customize it to suit your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. From meal prep champion to potluck superstar, this Chicken Broccoli Casserole deserves a regular spot in your cooking rotation.

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