Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s also incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. This recipe is a surefire way to get everyone at the table to eat their vegetables (especially the broccoli!). Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly evening or a dish to impress your guests, this casserole won’t disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy to Make:** With just a few simple steps, this casserole comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Comforting & Delicious:** The creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked broccoli create a symphony of flavors and textures that are simply irresistible.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love this cheesy, flavorful casserole. It’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables!
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
* **Make-Ahead Option:** Prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving, saving you even more time in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Chicken:** 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
* **Broccoli:** 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, or 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets, thawed
* **Cream of Chicken Soup:** 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
* **Mayonnaise:** 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat or light, your choice)
* **Sour Cream:** 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup chopped onion
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons butter
* **Bread Crumbs:** 1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko or regular)
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional additions:** Diced mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, cooked rice, or a sprinkle of paprika for color and flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large skillet or saucepan
* Mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to make this delicious Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole:
**Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli**
* **Fresh Broccoli:** If using fresh broccoli, wash and chop it into bite-sized florets. Steam the florets for about 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. You want them to be slightly cooked but still have a bit of a bite. Overcooked broccoli will become mushy in the casserole.
* **Frozen Broccoli:** If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely. Drain any excess water by pressing the broccoli gently with paper towels. This will prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
**Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic**
* Melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. This step helps to mellow out the onion’s flavor and add depth to the casserole.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
**Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce**
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This forms the base of your delicious cheese sauce.
* Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and combined. The heat from the sautéed onions and garlic, still somewhat warm when added, helps melt the cheese. If needed, you can gently warm the mixture over low heat on the stovetop, stirring constantly, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
* Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the cream of chicken soup already contains some salt, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
**Step 4: Combine All Ingredients**
* Add the cooked chicken and prepared broccoli to the cheese sauce. Gently fold everything together until well combined, ensuring that the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated in the sauce.
**Step 5: Assemble the Casserole**
* Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly in the dish.
**Step 6: Add the Topping**
* In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
* Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a golden-brown, crispy topping.
**Step 7: Bake the Casserole**
* Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown and bubbly. The internal temperature of the casserole should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is thoroughly heated.
**Step 8: Let it Rest and Serve**
* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
* Serve hot and enjoy! This casserole pairs well with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or some crusty bread.
Tips and Variations
* **Use Rotisserie Chicken:** For a super quick and easy dinner, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It’s flavorful and saves you time on cooking the chicken.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as diced mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, or carrots. Cook them slightly before adding them to the casserole.
* **Change the Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack, for a different flavor profile.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little kick.
* **Add Cooked Rice or Pasta:** For a heartier casserole, add cooked rice or pasta to the mixture. About 1-2 cups should be sufficient. Adjust the amount of sauce accordingly.
* **Use a Different Soup:** Cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup can be used in place of cream of chicken soup.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this casserole gluten-free.
* **Lower the Fat:** Use light mayonnaise and sour cream, and reduce the amount of cheese to make this casserole healthier.
* **Add a Crunchy Topping:** Instead of breadcrumbs, try crushed Ritz crackers, potato chips, or fried onions for a different textural element.
* **Spice it up:** Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the cream sauce for a tangy flavor.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time!
* **Assemble the casserole:** Prepare the casserole as directed, but do not bake it.
* **Cover and refrigerate:** Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
* **Bake before serving:** When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed, to ensure the casserole is heated through.
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your dinner:
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans make a healthy and delicious side dish.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the creamy cheese sauce.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes complement the casserole perfectly.
* **Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad is a great way to end the meal.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients used)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe
Here is the final, condensed recipe for your convenience:
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
* 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, or 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets, thawed
* 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1/2 cup bread crumbs
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Steam fresh broccoli florets for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Thaw frozen broccoli and drain excess water.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Mix well.
5. Add cooked chicken and broccoli to the cheese sauce. Gently fold together.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
7. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
8. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
10. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole!
This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let me know in the comments below if you try it and how it turns out! What are your favorite variations or additions to this classic comfort food?