Now, let us discuss your favorite delicacies. The meal that instantly provides a comforting feeling that makes you wanna grab a blanket, sit on a couch, and dig in for another serving (or even two – no one is counting). But that’s exactly what Broccoli Chicken Casserole serves, indeed true.
If stuffing your face with creamy, mouth watering, and cheesy food is your thing, this recipe would become your best friend quickly. It is seasoned boneless juicy chicken, soft tender broccoli, and rich cheese souce baked until bubbling. Not to mention, crispy topping and my man – now that is true magic.
This dish is ideal for busy weekdays or when you need something delicious without being in the kitchen for hours. Also, even the fussiest eaters do not resist the casserole (I, for one, did test this on my family).
Let’s get to it – this Broccoli Chicken Casserole isn’t going to demolish itself.
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Quick Guide
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Why This Broccoli Chicken Casserole Is a Must-Try
Listen, I’ve tried a LOT of casseroles in my day, but this one? This one hits all the right notes. Here’s why:
- Super easy: You don’t need fancy ingredients or a culinary degree to make this dish.
- One-pan wonder: Fewer dishes = happier you.
- Kid-friendly: If your kids are broccoli skeptics, this might just change their minds.
- Meal-prep approved: Leftovers taste just as amazing (maybe even better).
- Comforting and nostalgic: It reminds me of something grandma used to make, but with a little modern upgrade.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but delivers BIG flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (or make your own if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (adds extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (trust me on this one)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (the cheesier, the better)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Crunchy Topping (because we need that texture)
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
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How to Make Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Alright, let’s put this thing together.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius to preheat. Grease your baking tray with a little bit of butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
For soft, never mushy, broccoli, steam for 2-3 minutes and let it drain.
Step 3: Mix It Up
Blend in a sizable bowl the cream of chicken soup and mayonnaise sour cream, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Broccoli
Add the broccoli and chicken and combine for 30 seconds. Ensure that everything’s coated in that cheesy sauce.
Step 5: Transfer to a Baking Dish
Evenly distribute the mixture in your greased baking dish.
Step 6: Make the Crunchy Topping
Mix the crushed crackers (or panko) with melted butter, then sprinkle it evenly over the casserole.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is crispy and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Step 8: Let It Cool (If You Can Wait)
Give it about 5 minutes before digging in—it’ll be hot!
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Tips for the Best Broccoli Chicken Casserole
- Use rotisserie chicken: It saves time and adds extra flavor.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli: Nobody wants mushy veggies.
- Switch up the cheese: Try adding some mozzarella or parmesan for extra cheesiness.
- Add a little spice: A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick.
Can You Use Frozen Broccoli in Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in Broccoli Chicken Casserole, and it actually makes things even easier! But there’s one key thing to remember—don’t just toss it in frozen.
How to Use Frozen Broccoli the Right Way
- Thaw It First – Let the frozen broccoli thaw in the fridge for a few hours or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Drain Well – Excess water from frozen broccoli can make your casserole watery, so pat it dry with paper towels.
- Steam or Sauté (Optional) – If you like your broccoli a little softer, quickly steam or sauté it for a few minutes before adding it to the casserole.
Pro Tip:
If you prefer firmer broccoli, skip the steaming step and just add the thawed, drained broccoli directly to the mix. It will cook perfectly in the oven!
So yes, frozen broccoli works great in Broccoli Chicken Casserole—just handle it the right way for the best results!
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Can Broccoli Chicken Casserole Be Made Ahead of Time
Yes! Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a perfect make-ahead dish, whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight or planning for a gathering. Here’s how to do it:
Option 1: Assemble and Refrigerate (Best for 24 Hours)
- Follow all the steps up to baking, but don’t add the cracker topping yet (it can get soggy).
- Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, add the cracker topping, and bake as usual.
Option 2: Assemble and Freeze (Best for Long-Term Storage)
- Prepare the casserole without baking.
- Wrap it tightly in two layers of plastic wrap and foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cracker topping, and bake as directed.
Option 3: Bake and Store for Later
- Fully bake the casserole, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container.
- Fridge: Keeps for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Keeps for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- From fridge: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- From freezer: Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, covering with foil for the first half of baking.
So yes—Broccoli Chicken Casserole is totally make-ahead friendly! Whether you’re prepping a day in advance or stocking up for future meals, this recipe has your back.
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What to Serve with Broccoli Chicken Casserole
We both know eating this casserole alone is fine. But don’t lie, pairing this with a side dish and dessert would make it better.
There’s no need to search any further for the perfect side dish because my rolls are the best Easy Sourdough Dinner Rolls. These rolls are soft yet slightly tangy and they just soak up the creamy cheesy sauce effortlessly. Believe me, make more than you need.
And for dessert? Oh, I’ve got you covered. There is no way you’ve tried the Olympics Chocolate Muffins Recipe. I say this because you NEED to try it. The muffins taste like something from a gourmet bakery. Fudgy, rich, and certainly pleasing to the eyes, these muffins hit the spot. They’re perfect while not being too heavy. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to make while the casserole bakes.
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Storing And Reheating
How to Store
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A: Yep! Just thaw and drain it well so your casserole doesn’t get watery.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. All you have to do is put it all together, then wrap it and place it in the refrigerator for no longer than 24 hours. Allow me to remind you, you will need to tack on an additional 5 minutes to the bake time.
Q: What’s the best way to make this gluten-free?
A: Swap out the crackers for gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
Q: Can I add pasta or rice?
A: Absolutely! You might also like to add about 1 cup of cooked rice or pasta for an even richer meal.
Q: Can I use a different protein?
A: For a bit of a change, give cooked turkey, shredded pork, or shrimp a try.
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Few reader feedbacks
Megan S. – “This Broccoli Chicken Casserole was a hit a home for me! Even the picky eater was ready for a second serving. I shredded rotisserie chicken, and it ended up being very creamy and tasty. This is getting added in the meal rotation for sure.”
Jake R. – “It was easy for me to prep this dish ahead of time. All I had to do was bake it on the busy weeknight that I planned to use it. The dish helped me save time and money! It basically saved me from my troubles. My preferred topping was the cracker one. It was both easy to make and very tasty”
Your Feedback Helps Us!. Have you tried this Broccoli Chicken Casserole? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you—did you add your own twist? Your feedback helps everyone who reads them.
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Hey there, food lovers; we are done with the calculation of our delicious broccoli chicken casserole recipe. As mentioned, it is cheesy, creamy, crispy, and mouthwatering good. Whether you are cooking for a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just feel like having some good old comfort food, this dish has got you covered.
So, go ahead and preheat that oven, get everything in there and let it bake! We also suggest you get Easy Sourdough Dinner Rolls and Olympics Chocolate Muffins on the side to make this a full meal.
As always, feel free to reach out to me and let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking!