Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a cozy, comforting dish that combines tender chunks of chicken with bright, fresh broccoli, all baked together in a creamy sauce topped with melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or when you want something both hearty and a little bit healthy.
I love making this casserole because it’s so easy to throw together, and it always turns out delicious no matter what. One of my favorite tricks is to use a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese for the topping—it gives just the right gooey stretch and a tasty crust. Plus, you can easily add in some sautéed onions or mushrooms if you want to sneak in extra flavors.
This dish is great served with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the creamy sauce. Whenever I make it, I’ve noticed that everyone always asks for seconds, which tells me I’m onto something good. It’s one of those comforting, no-fuss casseroles that you can count on to bring smiles around the dinner table every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked chicken breast is great for tender bites. Rotisserie or leftover chicken works well to save time. For a lighter option, try turkey breast instead.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch, but frozen works fine too—just thaw and drain well to avoid sogginess. You could swap in cauliflower for a milder taste.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. If you prefer homemade, a simple béchamel sauce with chicken broth can replace it. For dairy-free, use a coconut milk-based cream soup.
Mayonnaise or Sour Cream: Both add richness and smoothness. Sour cream adds a slight tang; mayo is milder. Greek yogurt can be a healthy substitute.
Cheese: Cheddar brings sharpness and meltability. Parmesan adds nuttiness. Feel free to mix cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different twist.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create a crispy top. Regular breadcrumbs can replace them, or crushed crackers work too. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy But Not Soggy Casserole?
The key is balancing moisture from the sauce and broccoli with baking time. Here’s how:
- Use just enough milk and creamy ingredients to coat, not soak.
- Cook broccoli briefly before baking or use thawed frozen broccoli to prevent too much liquid.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter for a golden, crunchy topping that keeps moisture in.
- Bake uncovered to let steam escape, keeping the casserole thick.
Let the casserole cool a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve neat portions.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – I like this size because everything bakes evenly and is easy to serve.
- Large mixing bowl – great for stirring all the ingredients together without making a mess.
- Small bowl – perfect for mixing breadcrumbs and melted butter for the topping.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accuracy for the ingredients.
- Knife and cutting board – handy for chopping cooked chicken or broccoli if needed.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cooked chicken for cooked turkey or ham for a different flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth.
- Mix in a pinch of hot sauce or paprika for a spicy kick.
- Use mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar for a milder taste.
Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Main Dish:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Crunchy Topping:
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. You should also allow a few minutes to let it cool before serving, so plan for roughly 40 minutes total from start to table.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Getting Ready:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your casserole won’t stick.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise or sour cream, 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well until all the ingredients are mixed evenly.
3. Preparing the Casserole:
Spread the mixture evenly into your greased baking dish, making sure it’s nicely distributed.
4. Making the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until all crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this buttery mixture evenly over the casserole. Then add the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese on top to get a delicious golden crust.
5. Baking Time:
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the dish is bubbly and the top is lightly browned and crunchy.
6. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let your casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set up nicely and makes it easier to serve.
Enjoy your warm, cheesy broccoli chicken casserole — it’s a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli well before mixing it into the casserole to avoid excess moisture that can make the dish soggy.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for the best texture.
Can I Substitute the Cream of Chicken Soup?
Yes! You can use a homemade cream sauce or cream of mushroom soup if you prefer. Just keep the consistency creamy to maintain the casserole’s texture.
