The Creamiest Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe Ever

Comfort meets creativity in this delectable cheesy chicken broccoli casserole that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Creamy layers of golden cheese melt around tender chicken and vibrant green florets.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this luxurious without complicated preparation steps.

Rich flavors blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying dish everyone will adore.

Nutritious ingredients combine in a simple yet elegant presentation that feels like a warm hug.

Quick assembly means you can have this comforting meal on the table in under an hour.

One bite will convince you this casserole deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

New Ways To Enjoy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

• Low-Carb Chicken Broccoli Casserole: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds and swap cream of chicken soup for homemade cauliflower cream sauce to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup for a plant-based version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, replace sour cream with cashew cream, and select dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or almond cheese.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add sun-dried tomatoes, swap cheddar for feta cheese, incorporate dried oregano and basil, and use olive oil instead of butter for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Sides That Go With Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

• Elevate Cheese and Wine Harmony: Pair a crisp Chardonnay with balanced oak notes to complement the creamy casserole's rich cheese and chicken flavors.
• Create Rustic Beer Complement: Select a medium-bodied amber ale or wheat beer that cuts through the dish's richness while enhancing its savory profile.
• Match Zesty Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's creamy texture and add refreshing contrast.
• Boost Herb-Infused Beverage: Brew fresh iced tea with rosemary or thyme sprigs to provide a subtle herbal backdrop that brightens the hearty main dish.

How To Store Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole 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 if I don't have cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and chicken broth.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator before baking.

Why Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Is So Loved

• Conquer Comfort Food: A hearty casserole that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings.
• Transform Simple Ingredients: Combine everyday pantry staples into a delicious, creamy chicken and broccoli dish that transforms basic components into a crowd-pleasing meal.
• Create Balanced Nutrition: Packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from broccoli, and comforting dairy elements, this recipe offers a well-rounded nutritional profile in every single bite.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and taste buds without compromising the core deliciousness.

What Goes In Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh protein that provides the hearty base of the casserole and adds substantial texture.
• Broccoli Florets: Green vegetable that brings nutritional value and a vibrant color to the dish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Milk: Creamy base ingredients that create a rich and smooth sauce with deep flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that add richness and create a golden, flavorful topping.

• Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
• Onions: Aromatic vegetable that adds depth and subtle sweetness to the dish.
• Breadcrumbs, Butter: Crispy topping that provides a golden, crunchy texture to the casserole surface.

How To Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Chop The Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into neat, bite-sized cubes that’ll cook evenly and give your casserole a perfect texture.

Step 3: Prepare The Broccoli

Steam broccoli florets until they’re a beautiful bright green and just tender. Drain completely to avoid watery results.

Step 4: Create The Creamy Base

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until the mixture is silky smooth and well-combined.

Step 5: Mix The Ingredients

• Diced chicken
• Steamed broccoli
• Diced onions

Ensure every morsel gets coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Fill The Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking magic.

Step 7: Add Cheese Layer

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated parmesan cheese

Creating a mouth-watering cheesy topping.

Step 8: Create A Crispy Crust

Mix melted butter with breadcrumbs and scatter across the cheese layer for a golden, crunchy finish.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden, bubbling top and fully cooked chicken.

Step 10: Let It Rest

Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes. This helps the dish set and makes serving a breeze.

Pro Cooking Tips For Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

• Perfectly Dice Chicken: Cut chicken into uniform 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Steam Broccoli with Care: Steam florets just until bright green and slightly tender, then drain completely to prevent watery consistency in the dish.
• Whisk Sauce Smoothly: Blend cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and seasonings until completely smooth to ensure rich, creamy flavor in every bite.
• Layer for Maximum Flavor: Spread ingredients evenly in the baking dish to guarantee each serving has a perfect balance of chicken, broccoli, and cheesy topping.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit 5-10 minutes after baking to allow ingredients to set and make cutting and serving much easier.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this cheesy chicken broccoli casserole, blending creamy textures with hearty ingredients. Perfectly balanced flavors and simple preparation make this dish a delightful centerpiece you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Vegetables:

• 3 cups broccoli florets, fresh
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Binding and Seasoning:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Dice the chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized cubes, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
3. Steam the broccoli florets until they’re vibrant green and slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes, then drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
5. Fold the diced chicken, steamed broccoli, and diced onions into the creamy sauce, ensuring every ingredient is evenly coated.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer for consistent cooking.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheese over the top, creating a rich and golden cheese layer.
8. Combine melted butter with breadcrumbs and scatter the mixture evenly across the cheese topping for a crispy, golden-brown crust.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the top is golden and bubbling.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Opt for pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the casserole without additional cooking steps.
• Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher, less processed alternative that reduces sodium content.
• Choose Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to boost protein and lower fat while maintaining a creamy texture.
• Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb version that keeps the crispy topping intact.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg