Broccoli Chicken Casserole: The Comforting Weeknight Classic That Never Fails

There’s something deeply nostalgic about sitting down to a bubbling casserole fresh from the oven. It brings back memories of family dinners where the kitchen smelled like cheese, roasted veggies, and golden breadcrumbs. This Broccoli Chicken Casserole is one of those timeless meals that wraps you up in warmth, flavour, and simplicity.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy, this dish checks all the boxes. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with juicy chicken and tender broccoli, it earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

What Is Broccoli Chicken Casserole?

Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a baked dish made with shredded or chopped chicken, broccoli (either fresh or frozen), a creamy sauce, cheese, and a starch base like rice or pasta. It’s assembled in a single baking dish and baked until bubbly and golden.

This casserole is “comfort food made easy.” It combines protein, vegetables, and dairy in one convenient pan, making cleanup minimal and leftovers a bonus.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Casserole Recipe

• One-dish dinner: No juggling multiple pans.
• Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults both love it.
• Customizable: Add different vegetables, cheeses, or grains.
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
• Budget-conscious: Made with accessible pantry staples

This casserole also works beautifully for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a comforting delivery meal for a friend in need.

Ingredients You’ll Need (with Substitution Tips)

Here’s what goes into a classic Broccoli Chicken Casserole:

Pro Tip: Use frozen broccoli directly from the freezer to save time and perfect the texture during baking.

How to Make Broccoli Chicken Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• If not using precooked chicken, cook and shred it now.
• Cook rice or pasta if using raw.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl:

• Combine cooked chicken, broccoli florets, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic and onion powder, cooked starch, and 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese.
• Stir until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

• Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
• Spread evenly and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Topping

• Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top for a golden, crispy crust.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

• Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
• Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Fresh vs Frozen Broccoli: What Works Best?

Both work well—it depends on your schedule:

Frozen broccoli may release more moisture, but it balances well with the creamy sauce.

Best Chicken to Use: Rotisserie, Grilled, or Leftover?

Let’s break down your options:

All options work, but rotisserie chicken is the easiest shortcut with big flavour payoff.

Cheese Options: Cheddar, Mozzarella, or a Blend?

While sharp cheddar cheese is the traditional go-to, you can use a variety of cheeses for different textures:

• Mozzarella: Mild and melty
• Colby Jack: Great for even melting
• Parmesan: Sprinkle on top for a sharp flavour
• Monterey Jack: Creamy with mild heat

Mixing cheeses adds dimension. Try cheddar + mozzarella for the perfect balance of bold and gooey.

Make-Ahead Tips and Freezer Instructions

To Make Ahead (Up to 2 Days):

• Assemble the casserole (without the topping).
• Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate and bake just before serving.

To Freeze:

• Prepare the entire casserole (minus cracker topping).
• Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Add the topping and bake as directed.

Freezer-friendly and perfect for busy nights or gifting a meal to new parents or recovering friends.

Serving Suggestions: What Goes Well With This Casserole?

This Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a full meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with:

• Green side salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls
• Roasted carrots or asparagus
• Applesauce for a sweet contrast

Serve it on cooler nights when you need something hearty but easy.

Healthy Variations (Low Carb, Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly)

Make this comforting classic fit your dietary goals:

• Low-Carb/Keto: Replace rice with cauliflower rice, use full-fat sour cream and skip the cracker topping.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soup and replace Ritz with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and coconut milk-based cream alternatives.
• High-Protein: Add quinoa or chickpeas to boost protein.

Feel free to experiment. This dish is a great base for nutritional tweaks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking a Casserole

• Using watery broccoli: Pat dry or roast briefly to remove moisture.
• Overcooking chicken: Use cooked but tender chicken—no need to re-cook it while baking.
• Skipping seasoning: The soup provides some salt, but taste the mix before baking.
• Letting the topping burn: Cover with foil if browning too quickly.

Get these right; your casserole will always be creamy, flavorful, and picture-perfect.

Storage, Reheating, and Leftover Ideas

Leftover ideas:

• Spoon over baked potatoes
• Fill into wraps or pita pockets
• Mix into scrambled eggs for a brunch twist

Get inspired with more mouthwatering recipes! Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and subscribe to YouTube for new cooking ideas every week.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole: The Comforting Weeknight Classic That Never Fails

---

• Author: Maha Al-Sayed
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and broccoli, this Broccoli Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a one-pan dinner that’s easy to prep, freezer-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 cups cooked rice or pasta

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

• 2 tbsp butter, melted

---

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, rice or pasta, and 1½ cups of cheese. Stir until well combined.

• Spread the mixture into the baking dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese.

• Mix crushed crackers with melted butter in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the top.

• Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

• Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use frozen broccoli straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.

Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.

Substitute cream of mushroom or homemade white sauce if desired.

Can be assembled up to 2 days in advance or frozen before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: broccoli chicken casserole, easy chicken casserole, one-pan meals, cheesy casseroles, family dinner ideas, freezer-friendly recipes