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When you’re pressed for time but craving something comforting and hearty, nothing satisfies like a Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole. It’s a cozy, filling, family-friendly dinner that comes together in under 40 minutes. With its rich, creamy sauce, gooey melted cheese, and wholesome broccoli, this casserole checks all the right boxes.
This recipe is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or when you need a reliable dish to bring to a potluck. It uses pantry staples, works beautifully with leftover or rotisserie chicken, and avoids pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol—making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
Quick & Easy
You can prepare and bake this casserole in about 35–40 minutes total. It’s a true lifesaver on busy nights.
Family-Friendly
Even picky eaters tend to love the creamy sauce and cheesy topping. It’s warm, satisfying, and kid-approved.
Balanced & Customizable
It includes lean protein and green vegetables, and you can tweak it to suit low-carb, gluten-free, or lighter diets.
Great for Leftovers
It stores well and reheats even better—perfect for lunches or make-ahead dinners.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need:
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3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
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4 cups broccoli florets, chopped bite-sized
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1½ cups cooked rice (optional, can omit for low-carb)
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1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or use homemade)
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½ cup sour cream
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½ cup mayonnaise (optional, adds richness)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
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½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
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½ cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)
Equipment Needed
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Large mixing bowl
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Medium saucepan
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9×13-inch baking dish
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Spatula or wooden spoon
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Cheese grater (optional)
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Foil (for baking covered)
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil.
2. Cook the Broccoli
Blanch the broccoli by boiling it for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. You can also steam it for 5–6 minutes.
3. Mix the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Stir until well blended and creamy.
4. Combine Everything
Add the shredded chicken, blanched broccoli, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar, and cooked rice (if using) to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated with sauce.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
Top with the remaining ½ cup cheddar and mozzarella (if using). Sprinkle with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs if desired.
6. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes to lightly brown the cheese topping.
7. Rest & Serve
Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve.
Tips & Tricks
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Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
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Don’t overcook the broccoli—you want it tender-crisp, not mushy.
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Shred your own cheese for better melting. Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes stay clumpy.
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Double the recipe and freeze one half for later.
Ingredient Variations
Protein Swaps
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Use turkey instead of chicken.
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Try shredded tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Add More Veggies
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Mushrooms, peas, diced carrots, spinach, or bell peppers work great.
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Just sauté and drain before mixing into the casserole.
Make It Gluten-Free
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Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
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Swap breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers or omit entirely.
Lower-Calorie Options
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Replace mayo with Greek yogurt.
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Use low-fat cheese and sour cream.
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Skip the topping for a lighter version.
What to Serve With Chicken & Broccoli Casserole
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Steamed or buttered rice
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Dinner rolls or garlic toast
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Simple green salad with vinaigrette
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Roasted or sautéed vegetables (like green beans or carrots)
It’s also perfectly fine to serve the casserole on its own—it’s filling enough for a one-pan meal!
Storage & Reheating
Storing
Cool the casserole completely and store leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
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Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until hot (15–20 minutes).
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Microwave: Reheat individual portions in 1–2 minute bursts. Add a splash of milk or broth to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cold.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Assemble it (but don’t bake), wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
Make a quick homemade version with a roux (butter + flour), chicken broth, milk, and seasonings—or use cream of mushroom or cream of celery for variety.
Is this low-carb?
It can be! Just omit the rice and breadcrumb topping. It still tastes amazing with just chicken, broccoli, and cheese.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, but it takes a few swaps: use a dairy-free cream soup, vegan sour cream, and plant-based cheese. Texture may vary slightly, but it’s doable.
Why is my casserole watery?
Likely causes: broccoli wasn’t drained well, or too much liquid added. Make sure to lightly blanch and fully drain veggies before mixing.
Do I need to cook the chicken first?
Yes, this recipe calls for already cooked chicken. Use leftovers, store-bought rotisserie chicken, or boil and shred boneless breasts ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole is everything a home-cooked dinner should be—easy, satisfying, family-friendly, and endlessly flexible. With its rich sauce, comforting flavors, and quick prep time, it’s bound to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
No complicated steps. No fancy ingredients. Just wholesome, feel-good food baked to perfection. Make it once, and you’ll keep coming back to this cozy casserole again and again.
