If you are craving a warm, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and gooey melted cheese, you have to try this Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole Recipe. It’s a delightful family-friendly meal that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, blending creamy textures with wholesome ingredients that everyone will love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this casserole packs flavor and ease into one delicious dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a rich, satisfying meal. Each element plays a special role in bringing creamy, cheesy, and savory notes with just the right balance of textures and colors.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Use shredded or chopped chicken to add protein and hearty texture to the dish.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Steamed until just tender, they bring a fresh green pop and a great tender-crisp bite.
- 2 cups cooked rice: White or brown rice works to soak up the creamy sauce and add bulk.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: This adds richness and melds all ingredients together with ease.
- ½ cup sour cream: For a tangy creaminess that lightens and balances flavors wonderfully.
- ½ cup milk: Helps create the perfect creamy texture without being too heavy.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Divided for mixing in and melting on top, it’s what gives the casserole its irresistible cheesy pull.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes gently.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season perfectly and bring out all the flavors.
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping): For a crunchy golden finish if you’re feeling fancy.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (if using cracker topping): Mix this in to help the topping crisp up beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple preparation ensures your casserole won’t stick, making serving and clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Key Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and cooked rice with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything evenly until each bite will have that comforting, creamy goodness.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese right on top for that melty, cheesy blanket that will brown beautifully in the oven.
Step 4: Add Optional Crunchy Topping
If you love a crispy, buttery crust, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer. This step adds a delightful textural contrast that takes this Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole Recipe to the next level.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly and the cheese has melted into a golden masterpiece. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow everything to set nicely.
How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Top your casserole with some freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra punch. These simple garnishes brighten the dish and add a hint of freshness and spice.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables adds a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a warm roll also makes a lovely pairing to scoop up any extra cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a little extra cheese and breadcrumb for a personalized cheesy crust. Alternatively, use it as a filling for baked potatoes or stuff it into pita pockets for a playful handheld meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling to room temperature, transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This recipe reheats beautifully and keeps its creamy texture without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole Recipe either before or after baking. For best results, freeze it in a freezer-safe dish covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until hot, or heat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to refresh the cheesy topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli in this casserole?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli well so the casserole doesn’t become watery. Frozen broccoli works great and adds convenience without sacrificing flavor.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut here, but any cooked chicken, whether baked, poached, or leftover, can be used. Shred or chop it to make sure it’s easy to mix into the casserole.
Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can use a combination of cream cheese and chicken broth or make a quick homemade white sauce to maintain the creamy texture.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, diced bell peppers, carrots, or even peas for extra color and nutrition. Just consider steaming or sautéing firmer vegetables first.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or stir in a dash of hot sauce into the mixture before baking. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or spicy cheddar for a flavorful kick.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole Recipe is one of those magical dishes that brings comfort and flavors everyone adores. Easy to prepare, full of wholesome ingredients, and rich with cheesy goodness, it’s destined to become a go-to meal for family dinners. Give it a try soon — I promise it will warm your heart and satisfy those cravings like a true kitchen classic!
Print
Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole is a comforting, deliciously cheesy bake that combines tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and fluffy rice in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings or ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed until just tender
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Topping
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (if using cracker topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated and well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top for a cheesy crust.
- Add Optional Topping: If desired, mix crushed crackers with melted butter to create a crunchy topping, then sprinkle it over the cheese layer for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has melted and slightly browned.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe and saves prep time.
- You can substitute quinoa for rice or use frozen broccoli (thawed and drained) for convenience.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture if you like a bit of heat.
