Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce—all baked together under a golden, crunchy topping. It’s a simple, comforting meal perfect for weeknights or potlucks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, cheesy, and crispy—the ultimate cozy casserole.
• One-Pan Meal: Protein, vegetables, and sauce all in one dish.
• Easy to Prepare: Uses common pantry ingredients and comes together quickly.
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to different dietary needs or what you have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, steamed until crisp-tender)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30), crushed
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded chicken, broccoli, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Assemble: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
4. Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden topping.
6. Cool and Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Low-Carb: Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with cheese instead of crackers.
• Add Rice or Pasta: Stir in 1–2 cups cooked rice or pasta for a more filling version.
• Different Cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a blend of cheeses.
• Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, peas, or cauliflower to increase the vegetable content.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked or unbaked (without the cracker topping) for up to 2 months. Add topping just before baking.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual servings until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is perfect for saving time in this recipe.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole (without topping), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use fresh broccoli?

Absolutely. Steam it briefly or blanch it before adding so it doesn’t turn mushy.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be! Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and a gluten-free cracker or topping alternative.

What’s a good substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt works great and adds a bit of extra protein.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans if feeding a crowd.

What other vegetables work in this casserole?

Cauliflower, spinach, zucchini, or green beans are great options.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and use more broccoli or add in plant-based chicken substitutes.

How do I keep the topping crispy?

Add the cracker topping just before baking and don’t cover the dish.

Can I add a breadcrumb topping instead?

Definitely—panko or seasoned breadcrumbs work well with melted butter.

Conclusion

Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a timeless comfort food favorite that’s easy to prepare and even easier to love. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or bringing it to a potluck, this creamy, cheesy casserole with a buttery topping is sure to be a hit.

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