Cozy up with a comforting and flavor-packed Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce for a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. With simple, chef-tested steps, you’ll have a warm and inviting dinner on the table in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole for Cozy Nights
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. The combination of juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a velvety cheese sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and craveable. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. The best part? This casserole is endlessly customizable, so you can make it your own.
Ingredients
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole features a simple lineup of ingredients that come together to create a rich and satisfying meal. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fresh broccoli florets, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and a few pantry staples like milk, garlic, and seasonings.
- 2 lbs – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups – Fresh broccoli florets, steamed until crisp-tender
- 1 (10 oz) can – Cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup – Milk
- 2 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp – Dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp – Salt
- 1/4 tsp – Black pepper
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: You can substitute turkey or use a combination of chicken and broccoli.
- Cheese: Try a blend of cheddar and Parmesan, or swap in Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole for Cozy Nights
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole comes together in just a few simple steps for a comforting and delicious dinner.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and steam the broccoli florets until they’re crisp-tender. In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to create the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Layer the chicken and broccoli in the prepared baking dish, then pour the cheesy sauce over the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, ensuring every bite is loaded with melty goodness.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, as the sauce will thicken up during this time.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add-Ins: Consider adding diced bell peppers, sautéed onions, or sliced mushrooms to the casserole for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
- Serving Suggestions: For an even heartier meal, serve the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.
- Dietary Swap: To make this casserole gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled ingredients.
Nutrition Information
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s also packed with nutritional value. Each serving provides a good source of protein from the chicken, as well as fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the broccoli.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Protein: 41 g
- Carbs: 16 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I serve with this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole?
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded dinner.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled ingredients.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole freezes very well. Prepare the casserole as directed, let it cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli florets work great in this recipe. Just be sure to steam or thaw them before adding to the casserole.
Try These Next
- Comfort Classics Casseroles
- Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Stuffed Pretzel Bites For Game Day
- Creamy Chicken And Wild Rice Casserole With Herbs
Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole for Cozy Nights
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A warm and comforting casserole filled with tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and cooked rice in a large mixing bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken, broccoli, and rice, and stir until well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
7. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for added crunch.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap out the cheese for a different variety.
This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: casserole, chicken, broccoli, cheese