Creamy Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting a hearty broccoli chicken casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Busy weeknights demand simple yet satisfying meals that everyone will enjoy.

Creamy textures and savory flavors combine in this delightful dish.

Home cooks appreciate recipes that minimize prep time while maximizing taste.

Nutritious ingredients like tender chicken and vibrant broccoli create a balanced meal.

Families can look forward to a wholesome dinner that feels like a warm embrace.

Dive into this recipe and experience a delicious solution to your mealtime challenges.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole: Why It’s a Family Favorite

• Quick Kitchen Miracle: Transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that brings comfort and satisfaction in one delightful casserole.
• Sneaky Nutrition Booster: Pack plenty of protein from chicken and vitamins from broccoli into a crowd-pleasing dish that kids and adults will devour without hesitation.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single baking dish that delivers maximum flavor and minimal dishwashing stress, perfect for busy households.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding extra seasonings to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: Tender, cooked protein that provides the main substance of the casserole.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and a slightly crisp texture to the dish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Creamy base that creates a rich and smooth sauce for binding the casserole.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that provides a golden, gooey layer on top of the casserole.
• Breadcrumbs, Butter: Crispy topping that adds a crunchy texture and golden finish to the dish.

Step-by-Step Preparation of Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

Fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in your broccoli florets and let them dance in the hot water for 2-3 minutes until they’re just slightly tender.

Drain the broccoli and set it aside, ready for its casserole adventure.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until you’ve got a smooth, dreamy sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Broccoli

Fold in the cooked chicken and blanched broccoli into your creamy sauce. Make sure every morsel gets a delicious coating.

Transfer this mouthwatering mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping

Shower the casserole with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

For an extra crunch, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle this golden mixture over the cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling and the cheese has transformed into a beautiful golden blanket.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after pulling it out of the oven.

This helps it set and makes serving easier. Dig in and enjoy your creamy, cheesy, comforting masterpiece!

Tips to Enhance Broccoli Chicken Casserole Flavor

• Blanch broccoli briefly to maintain vibrant color and crisp texture, preventing soggy vegetables in the casserole.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving option that adds extra flavor and saves prep work.
• Select sharp cheddar cheese for more intense taste, or experiment with different cheese blends like monterey jack or gruyere.
• Make this dish gluten-free by substituting cream of chicken soup with homemade version and using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Prep casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight dinner preparation easier.

Flavor Enhancements to Try with Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour, and use cauliflower instead of broccoli to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream, dairy-free cheese alternative, and dairy-free cream of chicken soup for those with lactose intolerance.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and swap cheddar for feta cheese to create a Greek-inspired casserole with Mediterranean flavors.

Sides to Complement Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Cozy Weeknight Family Feast: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with soft dinner rolls and a crisp green salad for balanced nutrition.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Transport the casserole in a portable dish for gatherings, keeping it warm with a towel wrap and garnishing with fresh parsley before serving.
• Meal Prep Champion: Divide the casserole into individual portions in glass containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks, storing in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Protein Power Plate: Pair with quinoa or brown rice to add extra protein and create a more substantial dinner option that keeps everyone satisfied and energized.

Best Practices for Storing Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole covered tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
• For freezing, transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely in aluminum foil, lasting up to 2 months.
• Label the container with the date to track storage time accurately.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it completely before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken breast, or leftover cooked chicken all work great. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat sour cream, and part-skim cheese to lower the calorie and fat content while maintaining flavor.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Creamy Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty broccoli chicken casserole brings comfort and flavor to classic family dinners. Creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken merge with fresh broccoli for a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed

Vegetables:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping (Optional):

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
2. Transform broccoli into a tender-crisp state by submerging florets in rapidly boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transferring to a colander to drain excess moisture.
3. Craft a creamy sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Combine cooked chicken and blanched broccoli into the prepared sauce, gently folding to ensure every morsel is thoroughly coated with the rich, seasoned mixture.
5. Create a textural topping by generously scattering shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, then enhance with a crispy breadcrumb layer moistened with melted butter.
6. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes until the edges bubble enthusiastically and the cheese reaches a golden, melted perfection.
7. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier and more cohesive.

Notes

• Customize the dish for dietary needs by using gluten-free cream of chicken soup and low-fat cheese options for a lighter version.
• Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like cauliflower or spinach to boost the meal’s overall health benefits.
• Prep chicken ahead of time by roasting, grilling, or using rotisserie chicken to save cooking time and add extra flavor complexity.
• Create a crispy top layer by experimenting with different breadcrumb alternatives like crushed crackers, panko, or crushed cornflakes for varied texture and crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 305 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg