Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Comforting and hearty Chicken Broccoli Casserole combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy, cheesy goodness in a quick and easy bake—perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free soup and optional rice)
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 cups cooked and shredded or diced chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
Dairy & Creamy Base
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional
- 1.5 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli: Cook the chicken breasts thoroughly, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. Steam or blanch the broccoli florets just until tender but still vibrant green to maintain perfect texture in the casserole.
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the shredded chicken, broccoli, cooked rice if using, and about half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Assemble and Top: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top to create a golden, bubbly crust when baked.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and the casserole is heated through. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli to keep the casserole bright and avoid sogginess from overcooked vegetables.
- Utilize leftover or rotisserie chicken to speed up the preparation without losing flavor.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking for firmer cuts and cleaner servings.
- For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with melted butter on top before baking.
- Be cautious with salt since cream soups and cheese can be naturally salty—season gradually to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken broccoli casserole, easy casserole, weeknight dinner, family meal, comforting casserole, cheesy chicken broccoli
Find it online: https://linacorner.com/chicken-broccoli-casserole/