Oh, you know those nights when the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen, but you still want something warm, comforting, and absolutely delicious? That’s exactly when my Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole comes to the rescue. This isn’t just a recipe for me; it’s like a hug in a dish! I remember scrambling to get dinner on the table after soccer practice one evening, and this casserole was just the easiest, yummiest thing we had. It uses ingredients I usually have on hand, and it always, always hits the spot. It’s honestly one of those ‘go-to’ meals that my whole family begs for, and I’m always happy to make it!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Honestly, there are so many reasons this casserole is a winner in my kitchen, and I bet it will be in yours too! It’s just one of those perfect recipes that manages to be both incredibly easy and ridiculously tasty.
- Super Simple to Make: Seriously, you just dump everything in a bowl, mix it up, top it, and bake. It’s practically foolproof!
- Minimal Ingredients: Most of these are pantry staples, so you probably won’t even need a special trip to the grocery store.
- Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Kids, adults, picky eaters – everyone seems to adore this cheesy, creamy goodness.
- So Versatile: It’s perfect for a busy weeknight, a potluck, or even a cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients for Your Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this dreamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. Honestly, it’s pretty straightforward, and the beauty of it is that many of these are things you might already have in your pantry or fridge!
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (I love using rotisserie chicken for this!)
- 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen (use whatever you have on hand!)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (this is the magic glue!)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or 2% works best for creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided (sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, in my opinion!)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs give a fantastic crunch!)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (just a little bit for that golden topping)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Okay, let’s chat a little more about these ingredients because sometimes you need to make a few little tweaks, right? Don’t worry, this casserole is super forgiving! For the chicken, I often use leftover rotisserie chicken because it’s already cooked and seasoned – talk about a time-saver! But any cooked chicken, like boiled or baked, works perfectly fine. Shredded or diced, it’s all good.
Broccoli is pretty flexible too. Whether you use fresh or frozen, it’ll turn out great. If you’re using fresh broccoli, I usually give it a quick steam for about 2-3 minutes just to make sure it’s tender and not too crunchy after baking. Frozen works straight from the bag! And about that cheese… sharp cheddar is my go-to because it has so much flavor, but Monterey Jack or a Colby blend would be delicious too if you have that on hand. You could even experiment with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top!
Looking for other ideas? This tasty cake recipe uses simple ingredients, just like this casserole, which is why I love sharing versatile recipes like that too!
How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is honestly one of the easiest parts of dinner prep. It’s all about combining simple things and letting the oven do its magic. My kitchen usually smells amazing by the end of this part!
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First things first: Preheat that oven! You want it nice and hot at 375°F (190°C) so everything cooks evenly. I usually pop mine on as soon as I start gathering my ingredients, just to get ahead of the game.
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Time to mix! Grab a big bowl – I mean, a BIG bowl. Toss in your cooked chicken and your broccoli florets. Then, open up that can of condensed cream of chicken soup and pour it all in. Add your milk next. Give it a good stir, but don’t go crazy; just make sure everything is coated in that creamy goodness.
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Cheesy Goodness Part 1: Now, take about half of your shredded cheddar cheese (that’s roughly 1/2 cup) and stir it right into the chicken and broccoli mixture. This is where that amazing melty, cheesy flavor starts to build from the inside out.
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Get it in the pan! Pour that glorious mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Smooth it out a bit so it’s spread evenly. This is your casserole base, ready for its crunchy topping!
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The Crunchy Topping! In a separate, smaller bowl, combine your breadcrumbs and the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. Drizzle in that melted butter and mix it all up with a fork until it’s nicely combined and looks like buttery, cheesy crumbs. This is going to give you that perfect golden-brown, slightly crisp topping we all love!
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Top it off! Sprinkle that breadcrumb and cheese mixture evenly all over the top of the casserole. Make sure you get it all the way to the edges so every bite has a little crunch.
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Bake Time! Carefully place the dish in your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for it to be bubbly around the edges and for that topping to turn a beautiful golden brown. If you like extra crispiness, a few extra minutes under the broiler (watch it like a hawk!) can be amazing, but be careful not to burn it!
Once it’s done, just let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! This recipe reminds me a bit of my BBQ Chicken Stromboli – another easy win! And speaking of casseroles, have you seen my Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole? So good!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Listen, I’ve made this cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that just make it *extra* special. These aren’t complicated, just simple things that take it from good to absolutely amazing!
First off, don’t be afraid to really pack on that cheesy topping! I mean, it’s called *cheesy* chicken and broccoli casserole for a reason, right? Make sure you use the full cup of cheese mixed with the breadcrumbs. That step is crucial for getting that golden, bubbly crust that is just pure heaven.
Also, if you’re using fresh broccoli like I often do, give it a quick steam. Just a couple of minutes is all it needs. This ensures that your broccoli will be perfectly tender when the casserole comes out of the oven. Nobody likes crunchy broccoli in their creamy casserole, trust me on this one!
And for the ultimate crispy topping, try rubbing the melted butter into the breadcrumbs really well. It helps them toast up beautifully. I use a similar trick for the crispiest cookies, and it works wonders here too!
Serving Suggestions for Your Casserole
This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is pretty much a meal in itself, right? It’s got the protein, the veggies, and all that creamy, cheesy goodness. But, if you’re like me and love to round out a dinner, there are a few things that go perfectly with it. A simple side salad is always a winner – I love a crunchy salad that adds a nice fresh contrast. And of course, you can never go wrong with a side of potatoes! My creamy potato salad is also fantastic with this casserole.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
What’s better than eating this casserole? Eating the leftovers the next day! Once it’s cooled down a bit, you can pop any leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They taste just as good, if not better, reheated!
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, just pop a portion onto a microwave-safe plate and zap it for a minute or two until heated through. Or, if you have a bit more time, you can reheat it in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) until warm. It’s honestly so satisfying having this on hand for a quick lunch or an easy dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Got questions about this super easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole? I’ve got you covered! I’ve made this dish tons of times, and people always ask a few things, so let’s dive in.
Can I use other vegetables in this casserole?
Absolutely! While broccoli is amazing, this casserole is super flexible. You could totally swap it out for cauliflower florets, or even add some peas or corn. If you’re feeling adventurous, a mix of veggies like carrots and celery (finely diced!) would be lovely too. Just make sure whatever you add is pre-cooked or will cook through in the baking time.
How can I make this casserole lower in carbs?
Great question for my keto friends! To lower the carbs, you’ll want to skip the breadcrumb topping. You can just use extra cheese on top, or even a mix of cheese and some crushed pork rinds for crunch. You could also look into using a low-carb milk substitute or just a little less milk.
Can I make this Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can totally make it ahead! Here’s what I do: assemble the casserole (but don’t add the breadcrumb topping yet), cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just let it sit on the counter for about 20-30 minutes to take the chill off, add that delicious crumb topping, and then bake as usual. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
My casserole topping isn’t very crispy, what did I do wrong?
Don’t worry, it happens! Make sure you’re using enough butter to coat the breadcrumbs well – they need that fat to get golden and crispy. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated to the right temperature. Sometimes, if the casserole isn’t bubbly enough when it comes out, the topping can seem a little soft. Let it bake until you see those lovely bubbles around the edges!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this amazing Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is an estimate, bless its heart! Amounts can wiggle around depending on exactly what you use. This breakdown is based on pretty standard ingredients and serving sizes.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~450
- Fat: ~25g
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
As always, these numbers can change a bit based on your specific ingredients, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re working with! Enjoy every bite!
Print
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and satisfying casserole with chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, condensed cream of chicken soup, and milk.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, and melted butter.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
- If using fresh broccoli, you may want to lightly steam it before adding it to the casserole to ensure it is tender.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken broccoli casserole, chicken broccoli bake, easy casserole recipe, comfort food, family dinner