Some recipes are just pure comfort in a dish. This Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole is one of them. It’s a creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort. This one-pan wonder combines tender shredded chicken, vibrant steamed broccoli, and a luscious, cheesy sauce into a delicious and hearty dinner that the whole family will love. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a big fan of recipes that are both delicious and easy, and this casserole fits the bill perfectly. The genius of this dish is its simplicity. You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to get a head start, and everything is mixed together in one big bowl before baking. The combination of cream of chicken soup and milk creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats every piece of chicken and broccoli. The cheddar cheese, which melts into a gooey, savory layer, and the optional crunchy breadcrumb topping, take this casserole from good to absolutely unforgettable. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients
(Serves 6)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. You can also cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs. For a fun twist, you could even use canned chicken.
- Broccoli: You can use fresh or frozen broccoli. If using frozen, there is no need to thaw it first, but make sure it is drained well after steaming. Other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots would also be a great addition.
- Soup: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup would also work in place of the cream of chicken, giving the casserole a slightly different flavor.
- Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to use a different shredded cheese like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend.
- Topping: The breadcrumb topping is optional, but I highly recommend it. It gives the casserole a wonderful crunchy texture. You can also use crushed crackers or crushed potato chips.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir until it is nicely combined and the chicken and broccoli are coated evenly.
- Pour into the Dish: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer with a spatula.
- Add the Topping: If you’re using them, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden. If you want a little more color on the breadcrumbs, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before scooping out generous portions. Enjoy it warm!
Tips for Success
- Pre-Cooked Ingredients: Using cooked chicken and steamed broccoli is essential for this recipe. It’s a great way to use up leftovers or to make this meal even faster by using rotisserie chicken.
- Don’t Overcook: The bake time is just long enough to heat everything through, melt the cheese, and crisp up the topping. Be careful not to overbake it, as this can make the chicken dry.
- Seasoning: Don’t forget to season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of simple rice, a few slices of garlic bread, or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Please note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
- Calories: Approx. 350 kcal
- Protein: Approx. 25g
- Fat: Approx. 20g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 20g
Storage and Leftover Tips
This casserole stores beautifully. You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either microwave individual servings or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it is heated through.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you love comforting, hearty meals, you’ll love these other recipes from my kitchen:
- For a similar one-pan wonder with a Mexican twist, this Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a lifesaver.
- For a no-mayo option, my Light and Tangy Chicken Salad is a refreshing choice.
- For a fun, crowd-pleasing dinner, my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders are always a hit.
- For a cozy, hearty bowl of southern comfort, you have to try my Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo.
- And when you’re feeding a crowd, these Chicken Enchiladas are a true go-to.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole is a perfect example of a timeless comfort food. It’s a simple recipe that’s big on flavor and ease, making it a reliable and beloved choice for any home cook.
Let me know in the comments below if you tried this recipe and what you thought! What are your favorite casserole recipes? Happy cooking!
The Ultimate Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake
Ingredients
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups steamed broccoli
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and steamed broccoli until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for added crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
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