When you need a dinner that’s warm, filling, and guaranteed to make everyone happy, a
tender chicken and bright broccoli—comfort food with just enough “green goodness” to feel balanced.
Best of all, it’s the kind of casserole that’s easy to prep, easy to bake, and even easier to reheat the next day.
This recipe is designed to be dependable: no watery casserole, no bland sauce, and no overcooked broccoli.
You’ll get a rich, savory base, plenty of cheese, and a golden topping that gives the perfect crunch.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, meal-prepping for the week, or bringing a dish to a potluck,
this one belongs in your “repeat often” collection.
Introduction:
Chicken and broccoli is a classic pairing for a reason: mild, juicy chicken loves creamy sauces, and broccoli adds
freshness, texture, and color. But a truly great casserole depends on a few key details—especially moisture control.
Broccoli naturally releases water as it cooks, and many casseroles turn soupy because the sauce is too thin or the vegetables
weren’t dried properly.
In this version, we keep the sauce creamy and thick, season it well, and use a quick method to keep broccoli bright and tender,
not mushy. The topping is optional but highly recommended because it adds crunch and makes the casserole feel complete.
You can serve it over rice, pasta, or eat it as-is for a satisfying all-in-one meal.
Ingredients:
Makes one 9×13-inch casserole (about 6–8 servings).
Main Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: 4 cups, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- Broccoli florets: 5–6 cups (fresh or frozen)
- Cooked rice: 3 cups (optional, for a heartier casserole)
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups shredded, divided
- Mozzarella (or Monterey Jack): 1 cup shredded
Creamy Sauce
- Cream of chicken soup: 2 cans (10.5 oz / 298 g each) (or use homemade sauce below)
- Sour cream: 1 cup
- Milk: 1/2 cup
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Onion powder: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: to taste (depends on soup/cheese)
- Optional: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or 1 tsp Dijon mustard for depth
Crunchy Topping (Optional but Recommended)
- Crushed Ritz crackers: 1 1/2 cups (or panko breadcrumbs)
- Butter: 4 tbsp melted
- Optional: 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
Homemade Sauce Option (Instead of Canned Soup)
- Butter: 4 tbsp
- Flour: 4 tbsp
- Chicken broth: 1 1/2 cups
- Milk: 1 cup
- Salt & pepper: to taste
Broccoli note: If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain well to avoid excess water in the casserole.
