Chicken Broccoli Casserole: 7 Steps to Comforting Joy

Name: Chicken Broccoli Casserole: 7 Steps to Comforting Joy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz); 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)

June 3, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Hey there, fellow food lovers! Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: chicken broccoli casserole. It’s just the kind of dish that wraps you up in a warm hug after a long day. Seriously, there’s nothing quite like pulling a bubbling, cheesy casserole out of the oven, the aroma filling your kitchen and making your mouth water. Plus, it’s super easy to make, which is perfect for beginners like you or anyone just looking to whip up something hearty without spending all day in the kitchen.

This recipe is one of those magical meals that combines tender chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and creamy goodness all in one dish. Trust me, even if you’ve never cooked before, you’ll feel like a rockstar by the time this casserole is ready to serve. And the best part? You can customize it however you like! So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking because this chicken broccoli casserole is about to become your new go-to dish!

chicken broccoli casserole - detail 1

Ingredients List

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious chicken broccoli casserole. Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking!

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or boil some chicken breasts and shred them. Just make sure it’s cooked through!
2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli works best, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli is totally fine—just thaw it out first!
1 cup cooked rice: Any type of rice will do—white, brown, or even leftover rice from last night’s dinner.
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz): This is the secret weapon for creamy goodness! You can also use cream of mushroom soup if you prefer a different flavor.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for that extra kick, but feel free to use your favorite cheese.
1/2 cup milk: Whole milk is great for richness, but you can use whatever you have on hand—almond milk or skim milk works too!
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: This adds a lovely flavor boost. If you have fresh garlic, you can use that instead—just mince one clove.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth. If you love onions, why not sauté some fresh ones and toss them in?
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season your mixture! A little sprinkle goes a long way.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional): This is for a crunchy topping. Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs to suit your taste.

How to Prepare Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! You’ll want it nice and toasty at 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your casserole cook evenly and get that delicious golden top. While the oven warms up, you can focus on mixing your ingredients!

Mix the Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and start by adding your shredded chicken, broccoli florets, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Now, here’s the fun part—mix everything together! I like to use a sturdy spoon or even my hands (after washing, of course!) to really get all those flavors combined. You’ll want to mix for about 2-3 minutes until everything is well coated and looks like a colorful, creamy hug. Don’t worry if it seems a bit thick; that’s just the goodness coming together!

Transfer to Baking Dish

Now that your mixture is ready, it’s time to transfer it into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Just scoop it all into the dish, making sure to spread it out evenly. This helps it cook uniformly, so every bite is just as delicious as the last. If you have a spatula handy, it’s great for smoothing down the top!

Add Toppings

Next up, let’s add that irresistible layer of cheese! Sprinkle your shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If you’re feeling a little extra, go ahead and add those breadcrumbs now for that crunchy topping. Just a light sprinkle will do—this way, every bite will have that perfect crunch without overwhelming the creamy filling!

Bake the Casserole

Now, it’s time to bake! Pop that beautifully assembled casserole into your preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top has turned a lovely golden brown. If you see some delicious bubbling around the edges, you’re in business! Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for just a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to scoop out those perfect portions.

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s talk about some tips that will help you nail this chicken broccoli casserole every single time! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference.

Use cooked chicken: Make sure your chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the mix. If you’re in a hurry, grabbing a rotisserie chicken from the store is a fantastic shortcut!
Don’t skip the mixing: Mixing the ingredients really well is key to ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Take your time with it and make sure everything is thoroughly combined.
Adjust the seasoning: Taste your mixture before baking! This way, you can adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. A little extra seasoning can elevate your dish.
Cover it if needed: If you notice the top is browning too quickly while baking, just cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the inside finishes cooking.
Let it cool: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking helps it set up nicely, making it easier to serve.
Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, peas, or even some cooked corn! It’s a great way to customize the dish to your taste and add more color.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a chicken broccoli casserole that’s not just good, but truly fantastic! Happy cooking!

Variations

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s get creative! One of the things I love most about this chicken broccoli casserole is how versatile it is. You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or make it a little more exciting. Here are some fun variations to consider:

Cheesy Broccoli Delight: Add an extra layer of flavor by mixing in a different cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a spicy kick! You could also fold in some cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or a mix of your favorite beans, and add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. You won’t miss the meat, trust me!
Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to give your casserole a fresh and aromatic twist. A little sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning can also work wonders!
Southwestern Twist: For a bit of a kick, try adding cooked corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Top it off with some taco seasoning for a zesty flavor profile!
Asian Inspired: Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, and add water chestnuts and snap peas for a crunchy texture. Yum!
Spicy Chicken Broccoli: If you like things hot, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking. It’ll give your casserole a delicious, fiery kick!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create a chicken broccoli casserole that’s uniquely yours. The sky’s the limit, so don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it! Happy cooking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about leftovers! I don’t know about you, but I always love having some of this delicious chicken broccoli casserole hanging around for those busy days when cooking feels like a monumental task. Here’s how to store it properly and make sure it tastes just as good when you reheat it!

First things first, let your casserole cool completely before storing it. This helps prevent any condensation from forming inside the container, which can make your casserole soggy. Once it’s cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. You can also cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil if you prefer!

Store your chicken broccoli casserole in the refrigerator, where it’ll keep well for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your casserole again, reheating is super easy! If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbly again. If you want to speed things up, you can also use the microwave! Just cover it with a microwave-safe lid and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warm all the way through.

And voilà! You’ve got yourself a delicious, comforting meal ready to go, even on the busiest of days. Enjoy every last bite!

Nutritional Information

As with any recipe, the nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve provided some estimates below, keep in mind that these numbers aren’t set in stone. It’s always a good idea to check the labels of the products you choose to get the most accurate information!

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 75mg

So, whether you’re counting calories or just looking to enjoy a hearty meal, this chicken broccoli casserole is packed with protein and flavor, making it a satisfying choice for any occasion!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen broccoli for this casserole?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just fine in this chicken broccoli casserole. Just make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess water before mixing it in. It’s a great time-saver!

What type of chicken should I use?
You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand! Leftover rotisserie chicken is my personal favorite for its flavor and convenience. If you prefer, you can also boil or bake chicken breasts and shred them for this recipe.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time! Just assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven as directed. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

How do I know when the casserole is done?
Your chicken broccoli casserole is done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you gently shake the dish, the center should be set and not jiggly. It’s always a good idea to let it cool for a few minutes before serving, too!

Can I customize the flavors in this casserole?
For sure! This casserole is super versatile. You can mix in different veggies, swap out the cheese, or even add spices to suit your taste. Just think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!

Is this chicken broccoli casserole gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you decide to add that crunchy topping. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!

How should I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.