There's nothing quite like the comforting warmth of a Broccoli Chicken Casserole fresh out of the oven. Packed with tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish is the ultimate cozy dinner that’s both hearty and satisfying.
I first made this recipe on a chilly evening when I was craving something both nourishing and indulgent. With just a few staple ingredients, it quickly became a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinners. Let’s dive into why this casserole is about to become your new go-to dish!
Why You'll Love This Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Get ready to embrace a casserole that ticks all the right boxes. From its rich flavors to its practical simplicity, this dish has something for everyone.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep and no fancy techniques, you can have dinner in the oven in under 20 minutes.
It’s also a great way to use up leftovers. Got some rotisserie chicken or extra broccoli sitting in the fridge? This recipe breathes new life into those ingredients.
On top of that, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The creamy sauce and cheesy topping ensure even the pickiest eaters at your table will come back for seconds.
Finally, this casserole is versatile enough to adapt to your needs. Whether you want to lighten it up or add some extra protein, the recipe can handle it all.
Ingredients Notes

The secret to this Broccoli Chicken Casserole lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating the ultimate comfort food experience.
Chicken: This recipe calls for cooked chicken, making it perfect for using up leftovers or rotisserie chicken. If you prefer to cook it fresh, roasted or poached chicken breasts work wonderfully.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best for this casserole as it holds its texture better during baking. However, frozen broccoli can work in a pinch—just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
Cheese: A blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella adds the perfect balance of flavor and gooeyness. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
Cream Sauce: The sauce starts with a mixture of cream of chicken soup and sour cream for a smooth and luscious texture. For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream.
Breadcrumb Topping: A simple topping of breadcrumbs and melted butter creates a golden, crunchy finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole.
You’ll also need a large mixing bowl, a casserole dish, and a little patience as the heavenly aroma fills your kitchen.
How To Make This Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Making this casserole is as easy as layering ingredients and letting your oven do the work. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch casserole dish. This ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor. Mix everything until well-coated.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed for that melty, golden finish.
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle the mixture over the casserole. This will create a crisp, buttery topping that complements the creamy interior.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
In just under an hour, you’ll have a hot, comforting dinner ready to enjoy!
Storage Options
Got leftovers? This Broccoli Chicken Casserole is just as good the next day, making it a fantastic meal prep option.
For refrigeration, transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover the dish tightly with foil. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating is simple. For refrigerated portions, microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes. If frozen, let the casserole thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this casserole is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to switch it up:
For a low-carb version, swap out the breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
Want more veggies? Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms, diced zucchini, or frozen peas.
If you’re looking to boost the protein, mix in cooked quinoa or chickpeas for an extra hearty dish.
Prefer a different flavor profile? Try substituting cream of mushroom soup for the cream of chicken soup or adding a dash of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a tangy kick.
And of course, don’t hesitate to use whatever cheese you have on hand. A sprinkle of Parmesan can elevate the flavor to gourmet levels.
This casserole is your blank canvas—get creative and make it your own!
PrintBroccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Broccoli Chicken Casserole recipe is a quick and easy dinner loaded with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheesy goodness. A comforting and healthy option for busy weeknights that’s sure to please the whole family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Steam broccoli until tender but still crisp.
- In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese. If desired, mix melted butter with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs and sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute fresh broccoli with frozen broccoli; just thaw and drain it first.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a low-carb option, skip the cracker topping or use crushed pork rinds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
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