Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole

Hey there! So, you’ve stumbled upon my go-to comfort food: Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole. I first whipped this up on a rainy day, when my kids were bouncing off the walls and I needed something quick, delicious, and full of cheesy goodness to keep everyone happy. This dish is like a warm hug on a plate—seriously.

Why You’ll Love This

I make this when I’m craving something cozy, or when I’ve got leftover chicken that’s begging to be transformed. My family goes absolutely bonkers for it (even the picky eaters). It’s got that perfect combo of cheesy, creamy, and a bit of crunch. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get the kiddos to eat their greens. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love cheese?

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (I’ve used rotisserie chicken in a pinch!)
  • 2 heads of broccoli, chopped (or a bag of frozen broccoli if you’re feeling lazy)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (my grandma swears by sharp cheddar, but mild works too)
  • 1 can of cream of chicken soup (sometimes I switch it up with mushroom soup)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko adds extra crunch)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A pinch of love (okay, just kidding, sort of)
Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole

How to Make It

  1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is also a good time to sneak a taste of your cheese (I won’t tell).
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, broccoli, 1 1/2 cups of cheese, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Don’t worry if it looks a bit like a hot mess—trust me, it comes together beautifully.
  3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs on top (this is my favorite part).
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s all bubbly and the cheese is golden. Try not to drool on the oven window.
  5. Let it cool for a few minutes. If you’re like me, you’ll want to dig in immediately, but patience is a virtue!

Notes

Through trial and error, I found out that letting the casserole sit for a couple of minutes after baking really helps it set, making it easier to serve. Also, if you don’t have fresh broccoli, frozen works just fine—less chopping, more eating.

Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole

Variations

I’ve tried adding cooked rice to the mix, which makes it even heartier. Once, I thought substituting cauliflower for broccoli would be a hit—not so much; the kids protested. Live and learn!

Equipment

You technically need a casserole dish, but I’ve made do with a baking tray lined with foil when I couldn’t find my dish. Improvise!

Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole

Storage

If there are any leftovers (rarely happens here), just pop them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. But honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this with a simple green salad or some crusty bread on the side. It’s perfect for soaking up any cheesy goodness left on the plate.

Pro Tips

Once, I tried rushing the baking time because I was too hungry to wait—that was a mistake. Trust me, patience pays off with this one.

FAQ

Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely! Monterey Jack or even a cheese blend works nicely. Go with what you’ve got!

What if I don’t like cream of chicken soup? No worries—you can swap it for cream of mushroom or even a homemade white sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.

Is it freezer-friendly? You bet! Just assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze. Bake it directly from the freezer—just add an extra 10 minutes or so to the cooking time.

★★★★★ 4.80 from 120 ratings

Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole

yield: 4 servings
prep: 20 mins
cook: 40 mins
total: 50 mins
A delicious and comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for a family dinner.
Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2
    In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Mix well.
  3. 3
    Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. 4
    Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  5. 5
    Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole.
  6. 6
    Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 caloriescal
Protein: 35gg
Fat: 25gg
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 0mg
Total Carbs: 20gg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Vitamin A: 0
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 0mg
Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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