Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug straight from your own kitchen, this Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. It brings together tender shredded chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheeses all baked into one irresistible casserole that’s hearty, wholesome, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just want something deliciously simple after a long day, this casserole nails that perfect balance of cheesy goodness and nutritious ingredients. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a beloved classic that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this casserole lies in its straightforward ingredients that pack a punch. Each component brings something special to the table—from the tender chicken adding protein, to the broccoli bringing color and crunch, all the way through to the rich cheeses and creamy soup that make this dish unbelievably satisfying.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use leftover roast or rotisserie chicken for quick prep and wonderful flavor.
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed: Bright green and tender, broccoli adds freshness and a little texture contrast.
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown): This provides a soft, comforting base that soaks up all the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, cheddar is essential for that classic cheesy punch.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese: Mild and gooey, mozzarella keeps the casserole irresistibly stretchy and cheesy.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Creamy and savory, it binds everything together perfectly.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess for a luscious texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle depth of flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds savory warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out all the flavors without making the dish too salty.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A mild kick that balances the creamy richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers a hint of smokiness and vibrant color to the casserole.
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs: Provides a deliciously crispy topping that contrasts the creamy filling.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Helps the topping brown beautifully and adds a buttery flavor.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and helps the crust develop its golden, crispy finish.
Step 2: Mix Together the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir everything until well blended, so every bite will have that perfect balance of savory, creamy, and cheesy flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beautifully mixed filling evenly into your prepared baking dish. This step sets the stage for a perfectly even bake, so there’s a consistent texture and flavor throughout.
Step 4: Add the Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this golden mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This crunchy topping is the secret to turning the dish from good to unforgettable.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is a beautiful golden brown and bubbling with cheesy goodness. The aroma filling your kitchen at this moment is pure joy.
Step 6: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes. This little resting period helps everything set up and makes serving easier, plus it gives you a moment to anticipate the first delicious bite.
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a lovely fresh note and elevates the presentation. For a little extra pop, you can even add thin slices of green onion right before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a one-dish wonder, but if you want to round out the meal, try a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. A crusty slice of garlic bread also pairs beautifully and soaks up any extra cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. You can also create mini casserole portions in muffin tins—perfect for potlucks or kid-friendly dinners. Either way, this dish always feels special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making it an excellent meal for the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble it but don’t bake, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen (just add extra baking time).
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through — about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the topping crispy and the inside deliciously creamy. Microwaving is an option but may soften the crust.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Just cook and shred the chicken before adding it to the casserole mix. Using cooked chicken is easier and saves time, but fresh chicken works well too.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute the topping with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Can I swap broccoli for another vegetable?
Definitely. Cauliflower, green beans, or even spinach can be great alternatives depending on your taste and what you have on hand.
How can I make this recipe lower in calories?
Try using reduced-fat cheese and sour cream, and brown rice or cauliflower rice to keep it lighter without sacrificing flavor.
What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?
Using two forks is a classic method, but you can also toss cooked chicken into a stand mixer with a paddle attachment and pulse briefly for super-fast shredding.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe is truly a little slice of comfort food heaven. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you need a dish that’s easy to make but feels like you spent hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a staple in your meal rotation — cheesy, creamy, and downright delicious every single time.
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Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, creamy cheeses, and seasoned with garlic and onion powders, it’s all baked to golden perfection with a buttery crumb topping. Quick to prepare and packed with flavors, this casserole makes a delicious and nutritious family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixed casserole ingredients evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crispy, golden crust after baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- You can substitute the cooked rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different twist or lower carb option.
- Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the casserole mixture.
- The addition of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs topping enhances the texture with a crunchy contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
