Introduction

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce in one irresistible bake. If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug, this is it. Before starting, make sure your chicken is fully defrosted — ideally, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture. It’s also smart to season your chicken about 30 minutes before cooking to really let the flavors soak in. Fresh broccoli works beautifully here, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli florets (thawed and drained) can save the day without sacrificing taste. A professional tip: slightly undercook the broccoli when blanching it — it will finish cooking perfectly in the oven without turning mushy. Another thing chefs know: let your casserole rest for about 5–10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier. Trust me, the result will be a beautifully creamy, flavorful casserole that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is easy, hearty, and packed with both protein and veggies, making it a complete meal in one dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, and it reheats beautifully for lunches throughout the week. Plus, the creamy, cheesy layers will have even the pickiest eaters asking for more!

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30–35 minutes

Protein: 32g per serving

Able To Serve: 4–6 people

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen and thawed)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. Blanch the broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add broccoli florets, and cook for 2 minutes. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the broccoli vibrant and slightly crisp.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half of the shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy.
4. Fold in the cooked chicken and blanched broccoli, making sure everything is evenly coated.
5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
7. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
8. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
9. Let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving for best results.

Pro Tip: If you love extra cheese, sprinkle a little more cheddar on top in the last 5 minutes of baking!

Conclusion

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is the kind of dish that wins over hearts and fills stomachs in the best way possible. It’s a cozy, complete meal that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Make it for a family dinner, meal prep for the week, or bring it to a potluck — you can’t go wrong. Plus, it’s super flexible if you want to swap in different cheeses or add some rice. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with every bite.

Happy cooking!