Chicken Broccoli Casserole

When it comes to easy weeknight dinners, few dishes are as satisfying and comforting as a Chicken Broccoli Casserole. This classic recipe has been a staple in homes for decades, thanks to its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and hearty mix of chicken and broccoli. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to fit different tastes and dietary needs, making it an ideal choice for family meals or even potlucks. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so beloved and how you can make it a regular part of your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Casserole

1. Quick and Easy: With pre-cooked chicken and broccoli, this dish comes together in minutes. Most of the prep work involves mixing the ingredients and assembling the casserole before popping it in the oven.
2. Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.
3. Customizable: This recipe is incredibly flexible. Whether you want to swap out ingredients, add more vegetables, or change the type of cheese, you can easily tailor it to suit your preferences.
4. A Crowd-Pleaser: Chicken, broccoli, and cheese are ingredients that almost everyone enjoys. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or when you’re hosting guests.

The Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for this delicious casserole:

• Chicken: Use cooked, shredded, or diced chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but you can also use leftover chicken breasts or thighs.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is preferred, but frozen works well too. Steam or blanch it before adding it to the casserole to ensure it stays tender.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds a rich, creamy base to the dish. You can use store-bought, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can make homemade cream of chicken soup.
• Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: These add tang and richness to the sauce, making it extra creamy.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper help enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: This gives the casserole its signature cheesy flavor. You can use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced taste, or opt for a milder cheese if preferred.
• Breadcrumbs or Ritz Crackers: For a crispy, buttery topping, breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter add a perfect contrast to the creamy filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make for easier serving.

2. Prepare the Creamy Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine one can of cream of chicken soup, ½ cup of mayonnaise, ½ cup of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir until everything is smooth and well-blended. This mixture is the heart of your casserole, giving it that creamy, flavorful base.

3. Add the Chicken and Broccoli

To the creamy mixture, add 2 cups of cooked, shredded or diced chicken, and 3 cups of steamed broccoli florets. Stir gently until the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Spread the chicken and broccoli mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s distributed in an even layer for consistent baking. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

5. Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers) with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer on the casserole. This will create a crunchy, golden topping as it bakes.

6. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, the top is golden brown, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. If you like the top extra crispy, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes, but be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

7. Let It Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to settle and makes it easier to portion. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Customizing Your Chicken Broccoli Casserole

One of the best parts about this casserole is its flexibility. Here are some ways to make it your own:

• Change the Cheese: While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan for different flavor profiles.
• Add Vegetables: Sneak in extra nutrition by adding other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, peas, or spinach.
• Make It Lighter: If you’re looking to reduce calories, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and opt for a low-fat cheese and cream of chicken soup.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping. Make sure your cream of chicken soup is also gluten-free.

FAQs About Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the instructions as normal. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I Freeze Chicken Broccoli Casserole?

Absolutely. You can freeze this casserole before or after baking. To freeze before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. To freeze after baking, let the casserole cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for an easy reheatable meal.

What Can I Serve with This Casserole?

This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or a side of garlic bread. For extra nutrition, serve it with roasted vegetables or a simple steamed vegetable mix.

This Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Its creamy, cheesy texture combined with the tender chicken and broccoli makes it a family favorite. Best of all, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your personal tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re making it ahead for a busy evening or serving it fresh out of the oven, this casserole is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!