Description
Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and hearty American dish featuring tender cooked chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This baked casserole is topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust and extra cheddar cheese, delivering a deliciously bubbly and golden finish. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prepping, it is both kid-friendly and adaptable for a gluten-free diet.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Sauce
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided 1 cup and 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Broccoli: If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets for 2–3 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess water.
- Mix Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a smooth, flavorful sauce base.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, prepared broccoli, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce mixture. Stir everything thoroughly so the chicken and broccoli are coated evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for uniform cooking.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole to create a crispy, golden crust.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the breadcrumb topping to add extra cheesy goodness.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the dish is hot and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and make it easier to serve.
Notes
- Add cooked rice to the casserole mixture to create a heartier, more filling one-dish meal.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup to vary the flavor.
- If the breadcrumb topping starts browning too quickly during baking, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
