Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole

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This Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a blend of gooey cheeses, this dish is baked to golden perfection for a warm, satisfying meal. Whether you need a quick dinner for a busy weeknight, a crowd-pleasing dish for a family gathering, or a meal-prep option for the week, this casserole is a perfect choice.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the ingredients to fit your taste, swap in healthier alternatives, or add extra layers of flavor with simple tweaks. Serve it as a standalone dish or pair it with rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this a go-to meal.
  • Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike love the creamy, cheesy goodness.
  • Great for Meal Prep – Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for a quick meal later.
  • Versatile – Easily customize the ingredients based on your preferences.

What to Serve with Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This casserole is hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

  • Steamed Rice or Quinoa – Absorbs the creamy sauce for an even more filling meal.
  • Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls – Perfect for scooping up the cheesy goodness.
  • A Crisp Green Salad – Adds a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
  • Roasted Vegetables – Such as carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for extra nutrition.

Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed until just tender
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Topping (Optional):

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. If using fresh chicken, cook and shred or dice it. If using rotisserie chicken, remove the meat from the bones and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Steam the broccoli just until tender—avoid overcooking, as it will continue to soften while baking.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken and broccoli, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
  2. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Add the Topping (Optional)

  1. If using breadcrumbs, mix them with the melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the casserole for a crispy, golden crust.

Step 6: Bake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Make it Low-Carb – Skip the breadcrumbs and use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice when serving.
  • Spice it Up – Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of red pepper flakes for extra depth.
  • Add More Veggies – Stir in mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for more texture and color.
  • Try a Different Cheese – Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gruyère for a unique twist.
  • Use a Different Protein – Replace chicken with turkey, ham, or even ground beef for a new flavor combination.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can assemble it in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed.

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?

Yes, but thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the casserole.

Can I Make This Without Canned Soup?

Absolutely. Replace the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version using a roux (butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth) for a from-scratch approach.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fiber: 2g

This Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that’s easy to customize. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Let me know how it turns out for you. On the Facebook

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