Chicken Broccoli Casserole: Easy Weeknight Comfort Recipe

Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Casserole

This Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Casserole brings classic comfort food to your dinner table with a blend of tender chicken, crisp broccoli florets, a creamy savory sauce, and plenty of gooey melted cheddar. Whether you’re feeding a family or planning for delicious leftovers, this satisfying dish is quick to prepare and sure to please everyone. With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a weeknight staple worth mastering.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Ingredients
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Tips & Variations
• Make-Ahead, Storage & Meal Prep
• Nutrition Information
• Serving Ideas
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Introduction

Few dishes capture the heart of home cooking like a warm casserole. The Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Casserole is a beloved staple for good reason—it melds simple ingredients into a creamy, savory bake that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. The combination of protein-rich chicken, nutrient-packed broccoli, and luscious cheddar cheese sauce makes it both comforting and nourishing. Fast enough for weeknights, crowd-pleasing enough for potlucks, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a recipe that every home cook should have in their repertoire.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to assemble this cheesy bake:

• Chicken – Cooked, diced or shredded; use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or quickly sauté boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
• Broccoli – Fresh or frozen broccoli florets, lightly steamed or blanched for tender-crisp texture.
• Cheddar Cheese – Shredded; sharp cheddar adds the most flavor, but any melting cheddar works.
• Cream of Chicken Soup – Condensed; provides a rich, creamy base. Cream of mushroom or broccoli can be used as alternatives.
• Sour Cream – Adds tang and extra creaminess; Greek yogurt or mayonnaise are suitable substitutes.
• Black Pepper – Freshly ground for seasoning; add more to taste.
• Optional Add-Ins – Consider crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for topping, onion powder or garlic powder for extra flavor, or a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Ingredient Quantity Guide

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Cook chicken if needed (sauté, bake, or poach), then chop or shred.
   • Steam broccoli florets until just tender, then drain and set aside.
   • Shred cheddar cheese from a block for best melting results.
3. Mix the Casserole Base:
   • In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, condensed soup, sour cream, and black pepper. Mix well to blend.
   • Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, and, if using, sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the top.
5. Bake:
   • Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
6. Serve:
   • Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Spoon onto plates and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Protein Options: Substitute turkey, ham, or even cooked ground chicken for the main protein.
• Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Rice or Pasta Boost: For a heartier casserole, mix in cooked rice or cooked pasta before baking.
• Lighter Version: Use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheddar, or swap in plain Greek yogurt.
• Topping Swaps: Instead of crackers or breadcrumbs, try a topping of French-fried onions or panko for extra crunch.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free condensed soup and omit or substitute gluten-free toppings as needed.
• Homemade Soup: For a from-scratch flavor, replace canned soup with an easy homemade version of cream of chicken or mushroom.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Meal Prep

• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add topping just before baking for maximum crunch.
• Storing Leftovers: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and the casserole reheats beautifully.
• Freezer Friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition values will vary based on specific ingredients. A standard serving (about 1/8 of the casserole) typically provides:

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 22-27g
• Total Fat: 18-22g
• Carbohydrates: 14-18g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sodium: 600-900mg

To lower sodium, use reduced-sodium condensed soup and cheese, and season with salt to taste after baking.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with a side salad topped with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Pair with a simple soup such as tomato or vegetable for a cozy meal.
• Add a slice of crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw and drain any excess moisture before mixing into the casserole to prevent it from becoming watery.

What kind of cheese is best?

Sharp cheddar gives the most pronounced flavor and a lovely melt. You can also use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or experiment with pepper Jack for a little heat.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Rotisserie or leftover chicken saves time and adds depth of flavor. Just chop or shred before using.

How do I avoid a watery casserole?

Be sure to drain cooked broccoli well, avoid using too much liquid, and don’t overdo the sour cream. Allow the casserole to cool slightly after baking for easier serving.

Is this casserole freezer friendly?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight before baking as usual. Baked leftovers can also be frozen, though the texture of the broccoli may soften slightly upon reheating.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free condensed soup and gluten-free toppings like crushed rice crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this casserole scales up easily for a crowd. Use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time as needed until the center is hot and bubbly.

Conclusion

The Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Casserole is a true classic—balancing creamy, cheesy goodness with wholesome chicken and vegetables. It’s endlessly versatile, freezer-friendly, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether for a weeknight dinner, a meal prep staple, or a comforting answer to leftover chicken, this casserole stands the test of time and taste.

Author

Srija Burman

 

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman