Looking for a comforting yet healthy dish that will please the whole family? This easy chicken broccoli casserole recipe is the perfect solution! Packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheesy goodness, this dish strikes the perfect balance between hearty and nutritious. Whether it's for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep Sunday, this comforting casserole will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Here's what you’ll need to make this delicious, healthy casserole dish:
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown works great)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (if using breadcrumbs)
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Follow these easy steps to bring this casserole to life:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter.
Step 2: Steam or Cook the Broccoli
If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam it lightly until it’s tender-crisp. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. If you prefer frozen broccoli, make sure it’s fully thawed and well-drained before moving on.
Step 3: Assemble the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and cooked rice. Mix everything gently together.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
To make the sauce, whisk together the condensed soup, milk, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Step 5: Combine and Add Cheese
Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture. Mix until everything is evenly coated. Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to add that gooey, cheesy element.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top for a richer flavor.
Step 7 (Optional): Add Crunchy Topping
For a crunchy topping, toss Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them over the casserole.
Step 8: Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Step 9: Serve
Remove from the oven, allow it to cool for 5 minutes, and serve warm. Pair it with a fresh side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal!
Tips for Customizing Your Chicken Broccoli Casserole
- Make it low-carb: Swap out the rice for riced cauliflower to turn this into a keto-friendly dish.
- Add more veggies: Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Switch up the protein: Use leftover turkey, canned tuna, or even ground beef if you don't have chicken on hand.
- Go dairy-free: Use a non-dairy alternative for the cheese and soup to meet dietary needs.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to bring heat to the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This family-friendly dinner idea is quick to put together and incredibly versatile. It’s the perfect dish for using up leftover chicken or rice, and the creamy layers of cheese and tender broccoli make it a crowd-pleaser at any dinner table. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers during the week.
Give this easy chicken broccoli casserole recipe a try for your next dinner—your family will thank you for it!
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