If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that practically cooks itself, you can’t beat Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole! This dish takes juicy chicken, tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce and bakes them together under a golden crust. It’s the kind of comfort food that guarantees happy faces and empty plates—whether it’s a weeknight or a lazy Sunday. With simple prep and tons of flavor, Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is about to become your family’s new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this casserole brings something truly delicious to the table. From the savory chicken to the melty cheese and just the right amount of crunch on top, these staple pantry and fridge items come together for the ultimate bite every time.
- Chicken: Use 3 cups of cooked shredded or cubed chicken for satisfying protein and rich flavor; rotisserie chicken is perfect for convenience.
- Broccoli florets: 4 cups of fresh or frozen broccoli add vibrant color, hearty texture, and plenty of nutrients.
- Rice: 2 cups of cooked rice absorb that creamy sauce and give the casserole its classic, comforting base.
- Canned cream of chicken soup: One 10.5-ounce can forms the base of your luscious, savory sauce, tying all the flavors together.
- Sour cream: A half cup brings a tangy, velvety richness that makes the sauce extra irresistible.
- Milk: Use 1/2 cup for a silky, pourable consistency in your casserole filling.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 2 cups of sharp cheddar create that gooey, cheese-pull glory in every bite.
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon adds a subtle garlic kick that perks up the filling.
- Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon brings mellow, savory depth to the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste for just the right pop of seasoning.
- Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping): 1/2 cup adds a golden, crunchy finish if you love a little extra texture.
- Melted butter (optional, for topping): 2 tablespoons enrich the cracker or breadcrumb topping for that irresistible golden crunch.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F. This temperature gives your Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole the perfect bubbly texture and golden finish. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze later.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
If you’re using frozen broccoli, steam or microwave it until just tender. Fresh broccoli works just as well—just don’t overcook it, since it’ll finish softening in the oven. Bright green, slightly crisp broccoli gives your casserole that signature pop.
Step 3: Stir Together the Filling
Grab a big bowl and combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 and 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly so every scoop will be packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and juicy chicken.
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Spread the prepared mixture evenly into your greased baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out and ensure those delicious bits of chicken and broccoli are evenly distributed, so every serving is packed with flavor and texture.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese right over the top. If you’re going for maximum comfort, mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter this over the cheese—trust me, the crunch is incredible.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the casserole in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a hot, bubbling center and a beautifully golden crust that invites you to dig right in. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so that everything sets up and slices nicely.
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, some thinly sliced green onions, or even a quick dusting of extra cheddar right at the end can make your Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole even more inviting. These quick finishes add color and a fresh note that keeps things lively.
Side Dishes
This casserole is absolutely marvelous with a simple green salad, some roasted carrots, or even a slice of warm garlic bread. The creamy, cheesy casserole pairs perfectly with crisp, fresh sides or a bright vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole straight from the baking dish for a casual, family-style meal, or scoop it into individual ramekins for a more polished presentation. For lunch leftovers, try spooning it over a baked potato or even wrapping it up in a tortilla for a delicious, melty burrito.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, and it makes an amazing reheated lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
This casserole is super freezer-friendly. Just let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before baking if possible: assemble everything, add the topping, and freeze unbaked—then bake straight from the freezer, adding 10 to 15 extra minutes.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop leftovers into a microwave-safe dish and zap until hot, or bake in the oven at 350°F until everything is warmed through and the top is sizzling again. A splash of milk or broth can revive the creaminess if needed.
FAQs
Can I substitute the rice with something else?
Absolutely! Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even cooked pasta all work beautifully in Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. Each option adds its own unique texture and absorbs the creamy sauce deliciously.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare everything up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just bake as directed—adding a few extra minutes if straight from the fridge.
Is it possible to make Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole gluten-free?
Definitely. Use a gluten-free condensed soup, swap regular breadcrumbs or crackers for gluten-free versions, and double-check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this a meal everyone can enjoy.
What chicken should I use if I don’t have any cooked chicken on hand?
Quickly poach, roast, or sauté a couple of chicken breasts or thighs, or grab a rotisserie chicken from the store. Shredded turkey also works in a pinch and is great for using up holiday leftovers.
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Mushrooms, frozen peas, diced carrots, or even chopped spinach are all welcome additions to Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. Just aim for a total of about 4 cups of veggies so the proportions stay perfect.
Final Thoughts
If easy, cheesy comfort food is calling your name, you absolutely have to try Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. It’s the kind of meal that brings people to the table, gets you rave reviews, and makes any weeknight feel special. Give it a go—you might just find yourself adding it to your regular dinner rotation!
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Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that the whole family will love. Loaded with tender chicken, broccoli, rice, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Ingredients: Cook broccoli until tender if using frozen. In a large bowl, mix chicken, broccoli, rice, soup, sour cream, milk, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread mixture in the baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese. Optionally, mix crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden on top. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use quinoa instead of rice or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or mix in veggies like mushrooms or peas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
