Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Name: Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup breadcrumbs

Highlighted under: Comfort Dinner Recipes

I absolutely love making Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Casserole for a hearty meal that the whole family enjoys. This dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheddar cheese, resulting in a delightful comfort food experience. The aroma while it bakes is irresistible, and it brings everyone to the kitchen for a warm, inviting meal. Whether you're looking for a weekday dinner or a cozy weekend feast, this casserole never disappoints. It's a delightful way to sneak in some veggies and satisfy those cheesy cravings all at once!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-27T13:58:28.638Z

When I first made this Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Casserole, I wanted something that combined my love for cheese with a nutritious twist. The result exceeded my expectations! I discovered that using fresh broccoli not only enhances the flavor but also provides a wonderful texture contrast. The key is to slightly undercook the broccoli before baking, so it retains some crunch and doesn't turn mushy in the oven.

This dish has become a go-to for potlucks and family gatherings. One day, I decided to add a crispy topping of breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of garlic salt. That small change elevated the dish to new heights, adding an irresistible crunch. My family couldn't get enough of it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy cheddar sauce that complements tender chicken and vibrant broccoli
Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners
Makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day

The Heart of the Dish: Chicken and Broccoli

The core of Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Casserole lies in the combination of tender chicken and vibrant broccoli. For the chicken, using rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken can save time while ensuring it's flavorful. If you want to prepare from scratch, poaching chicken breasts in seasoned water for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked can result in a juicy addition. Blanched broccoli not only retains its bright green color, but also its crispness, providing a lovely textural contrast to the creamy sauce.

Enhancing the dish with fresh ingredients is vital. Opt for fresh broccoli florets over frozen for the best results, as they provide a deeper flavor and firmer texture after baking. Blanching the broccoli for 2-3 minutes prior to mixing with the other ingredients prevents it from becoming mushy during baking. This way, you maintain that desired crunch while the cheese and sauce create a hearty, rich background.

Creamy Sauce: The Key to Flavor

The creamy cheddar sauce is a hallmark of this casserole. For the best flavor, choose a medium or sharp cheddar, as it brings depth to the dish far more than mild cheddar would. Consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the sauce to enhance creaminess and provide a tangy undertone that complements the sharpness of the cheddar. This blend also helps prevent the sauce from becoming too greasy or runny during baking.

If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade roux mixed with low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt. This alternative can cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor, giving the casserole a tangy element while still keeping it creamy. Just ensure it’s well-mixed to avoid clumps when combined with the other ingredients.

Tips for a Flawless Bake

Achieving the perfect casserole requires attention to baking time and temperature. Baking at a consistent 350°F (175°C) allows the top to become golden brown while ensuring the inside is heated through and bubbly. Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking; if the breadcrumbs aren't browning as you’d like, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes for that extra crunch, but be careful as it can burn quickly.

Lastly, let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period allows the flavors to meld a bit more, and stabilizes the ingredients, making it easier to serve. If you want to prep ahead, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate it, and then simply put it in the oven when ready. Just remember to extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes if baking it straight from the fridge.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups broccoli florets, blanched
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your casserole:

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, blanched broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Add Toppings

Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

You're ready to enjoy your delicious Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Casserole!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding some cooked bacon or diced onions to the mix. You can also substitute the chicken with cooked turkey for a post-holiday twist.

Making Ahead and Storing

This Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Casserole is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When ready to heat, simply pop it in the oven, but be prepared to extend the bake time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s heated through. Freezing is also an option; just ensure it's tightly covered to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until bubbly, about 30-40 minutes.

Leftovers are just as delightful! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat portion sizes in the microwave or in the oven, covering with foil to prevent drying out. It should be heated to at least 165°F before serving. You can also enjoy it cold in a salad for a different twist!

Serving Suggestions

For a well-rounded meal, pair the casserole with a fresh side salad to balance the richness of the cheddar and chicken. A simple vinaigrette can elevate the dish and provide a light contrast. Adding crusty bread or dinner rolls will help soak up the creamy sauce, making each bite satisfying. If you'd like to bulk up the veggie content, consider adding a side of roasted carrots or green beans.

Lastly, if you want to switch things up, feel free to customize with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick, or incorporate other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers into the mix. These variations keep the dish exciting and allow you to use seasonal produce!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole.

→ How can I make this casserole healthier?

Use low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat cheese, or replace the chicken with chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

→ Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.