Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich melted cheese in one delicious bake. This family-favorite recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. With minimal prep and easy ingredients, it’s a wholesome meal that feels indulgent yet nourishing.

What Is Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole?

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a baked dish combining cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and a creamy sauce made from cheese, sour cream, and condensed soup. Topped with melted cheese or crispy breadcrumbs, it’s baked until bubbly and golden. It’s the ultimate comfort food that blends protein, veggies, and a luscious sauce in every bite.

Other Popular Broccoli Casserole Recipes

Reasons to Try Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Family Favorite – A meal loved by both kids and adults.
One-Dish Dinner – Everything bakes together for easy cleanup.
Creamy and Cheesy – Rich texture and bold flavor in every spoonful.
Great Use of Leftovers – Perfect for using up cooked chicken or rotisserie meat.
Freezer-Friendly – Ideal for meal prepping or make-ahead dinners.
Nutritious Comfort – Combines lean protein, vegetables, and calcium-rich cheese.

Ingredients Needed to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, lightly steamed)
1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream or mayonnaise
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for flavor depth)
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping)
2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions to Prepare Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Preheat the oven – Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the broccoli – Steam or microwave the broccoli until tender-crisp, then drain well to remove excess moisture.
Prepare the creamy sauce – In a large mixing bowl, combine the soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Stir until well blended.
Add chicken and broccoli – Gently fold in the cooked chicken and broccoli, coating everything evenly in the sauce.
Assemble the casserole – Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Add topping – Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole. Add extra cheese on top for a golden crust.
Bake until bubbly – Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and lightly browned on top.
Cool slightly before serving – Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

What Goes Well With Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
Rice or Quinoa – Complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Mashed Potatoes – Adds a comforting side to complete the meal.
Garden Salad – Balances the richness with fresh greens.
Roasted Vegetables – Adds extra color and texture to your plate.

Key Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Drain broccoli well – Prevents extra moisture from thinning the sauce.
Use freshly shredded cheese – Melts more smoothly than pre-packaged cheese.
Mix gently – Keeps the broccoli florets and chicken chunks intact.
Add variety – Stir in cooked rice or pasta for a more filling version.
Season properly – Taste the sauce before baking and adjust salt and pepper.
Customize the topping – Use crushed cornflakes, panko, or fried onions for crunch.
Don’t overbake – Bake until just golden and bubbly to keep it creamy.

Creative Variations of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Rice Version – Add 2 cups cooked rice to make it a complete meal.
Low-Carb Keto Option – Skip the cracker topping and use heavy cream instead of soup.
Spicy Kick – Mix in diced jalapeños or sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
Bacon Lover’s Version – Add crispy bacon bits for smoky flavor.
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free soup and crushed gluten-free crackers.
Vegetarian Twist – Replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a meat-free version.

Storage Guidelines for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing – Freeze cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Defrosting – Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Avoid sogginess – Reheat uncovered to maintain a crisp topping.
Label before freezing – Helps keep track of storage time and freshness.

Reheating Tips for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Oven Method – Reheat covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until hot.
Microwave Method – Heat single portions for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Air Fryer Method – Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes for a crisp top.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 410 kcal
Protein: 29 g
Fat: 27 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Calcium: 230 mg

FAQs

Should I cook the chicken before putting it in the casserole?

Yes, the chicken should be cooked before adding it to the casserole. You can use grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken. Using pre-cooked chicken ensures even texture and prevents the casserole from becoming watery.

How do you keep broccoli from getting mushy in a casserole?

To keep broccoli tender yet firm, lightly steam or blanch it before mixing. Avoid overcooking during this step. Once baked, the broccoli will stay vibrant and maintain a pleasant bite instead of turning soft.

Can I use frozen broccoli in this casserole?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw it completely and pat dry to remove extra moisture before mixing it with the sauce. This prevents the casserole from becoming too watery while baking.

How can I make the casserole creamier?

To make the casserole extra creamy, mix in ¼ cup of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream with the soup and sour cream. Using freshly shredded cheddar cheese also enhances smoothness and melts beautifully.

Final Words

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that make every bite satisfying. It’s quick to prepare, easy to adapt, and always a hit at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole offers comfort and nutrition in one delicious dish that never disappoints.