Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and a creamy sauce that brings it all together. The top usually gets a nice golden crust from melted cheese or crispy breadcrumbs, making every bite warm and satisfying. It’s one of those easy-to-make meals that feels like a big kitchen hug on a plate.
I love making this casserole when I want something simple but filling that the whole family will enjoy. The best part is how the broccoli and chicken mix so well with the creamy sauce, giving you a good blend of veggies and protein in every spoonful. I often sneak in some garlic and onion for extra flavor, and sometimes I add a little crunch with toasted almonds or crispy fried onions on top.
My favorite way to serve this dish is right out of the oven with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad to keep things light. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights because you can prepare it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Whenever I bring this casserole to a gathering, I always get asked for the recipe—it’s that crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast works best for tender bites. You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken to save time. For a lighter option, try turkey breast instead.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is ideal for texture and color. If fresh isn’t available, frozen broccoli can work—just thaw and drain well so the casserole doesn’t get watery.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess and flavor but can be swapped with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if preferred. For dairy-free, try a homemade white sauce or a non-dairy cream soup.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings rich flavor while mozzarella adds gooey meltiness. Feel free to mix cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for variety. Vegan cheese blends can be alternatives too.
Crispy Topping: Fried onions add great crunch, but crushed crackers or breadcrumbs work well too. Toast them with butter to boost flavor and texture.
How Can I Keep the Broccoli Crisp and Not Mushy?
Broccoli can get mushy if overcooked, which affects the texture of the casserole. To keep it crisp:
- Steam or microwave the broccoli for just 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Avoid boiling broccoli or overcooking it in water—this will make it soggy.
- After cooking, drain extra moisture well to prevent a watery casserole.
- Fold broccoli gently into the sauce to keep florets intact.
Following these steps will give you broccoli that’s soft enough to enjoy but still has a nice bite, balancing perfectly with creamy chicken and cheese.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – I recommend this size for even baking and easy serving.
- Steamer or microwave-safe bowl – makes it quick and easy to steam the broccoli to just the right tenderness.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accurate measurements for the best flavor.
- Spatula or spoon – helpful for folding in broccoli and cheese gently.
- Oven – to bake the casserole to bubbly, golden perfection.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked shrimp or cooked ham instead of chicken for a seafood or ham twist that adds variety.
- Mix in cooked pasta like penne or rotini to turn it into a hearty pasta casserole.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheese flavor and meltiness.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, paprika, or smoked paprika to give the dish a little extra spice or smoky flavor.
How to Make Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fried crispy onions (like French’s crispy onions)
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (if using crackers or breadcrumbs)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Plan for a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish, including the time to steam the broccoli.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish and Broccoli:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Steam or microwave the broccoli for 3-4 minutes until it’s tender but still bright green and slightly crisp. Drain well and set aside.
2. Mix the Chicken and Creamy Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir the mixture well until everything is fully blended.
3. Fold in Broccoli and Mozzarella:
Carefully fold the steamed broccoli and mozzarella cheese into the chicken mixture, making sure the broccoli stays nice and crisp.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the creamy chicken and broccoli mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top evenly.
5. Add the Toppings:
Evenly scatter the crispy fried onions over the cheese layer. If you like a crunchy topping, toss crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them on top.
6. Bake and Serve:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm, comforting casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before mixing it into the casserole to avoid a soggy dish.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Substitute the Cream of Chicken Soup?
Yes! You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead, or make a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
