Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole

If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and absolutely satisfying, look no further than Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole. This dish is the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors — tender chunks of chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, fluffy rice, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce that binds everything together beautifully.

It’s the kind of meal that reminds you of home — the aroma of bubbling cheese, the creamy texture, and the hearty satisfaction after every bite. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or meal prep for the week, this casserole is always a hit.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this casserole because it’s everything a comforting meal should be — simple, creamy, and incredibly flavorful. The sharpness of the cheddar perfectly complements the mild flavor of the chicken and the freshness of the broccoli. It’s also a balanced meal in one pan — protein, veggies, and grains all baked together in cheesy perfection.

Plus, it’s easy to customize! You can make it lighter, heartier, or even vegetarian depending on your mood or what’s in your fridge. It’s a true kitchen chameleon that never disappoints.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it brings the flavor and comfort of a home-cooked meal with minimal effort. It’s ideal for busy nights — easy to assemble, family-friendly, and even better as leftovers. The combination of creamy cheddar sauce and roasted broccoli is simply irresistible, and it’s a great way to get picky eaters to enjoy their veggies!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~480 per serving

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, lightly steamed)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (or homemade equivalent)
• ¼ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing and flavor)

For Optional Crunchy Topping:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
• Steam broccoli until just tender (about 3 minutes). Set aside.
• Cook rice and chicken if not already done.

2. Make the Sauce

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.

3. Combine Everything

• Add the cooked chicken, rice, and broccoli to the sauce mixture.
• Stir until everything is evenly coated.

4. Transfer to Baking Dish

• Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
• Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar cheese.

5. Add Optional Topping

• In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers) with melted butter.
• Sprinkle evenly over the casserole for a golden crunch.

6. Bake

• Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.

7. Cool Slightly

• Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven and prepare ingredients.
2. Mix soup, milk, and cheese to create the creamy base.
3. Add cooked chicken, rice, and broccoli.
4. Pour mixture into baking dish and top with cheese.
5. Add crunchy topping if desired.
6. Bake until golden and bubbly.
7. Cool before serving.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole warm with:

• A side of garlic bread or dinner rolls
• A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• A simple bowl of soup for a complete comfort meal

This casserole also works perfectly for meal prep lunches — just portion it into containers for easy reheating.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the broccoli — slightly undercooked broccoli will stay firm and vibrant after baking.
• Use freshly shredded cheese — it melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
• Make it extra creamy by adding a few ounces of cream cheese or extra sour cream.
• Add a hint of spice — sprinkle red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• Double the batch and freeze one casserole for later!

Variations

1. Healthy Version:
   Use brown rice, low-fat cheese, and a homemade light cream sauce made with Greek yogurt.
2. Keto/Low-Carb Version:
   Substitute rice with cauliflower rice for fewer carbs and extra veggies.
3. Vegetarian Version:
   Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, and spinach.
4. Tex-Mex Version:
   Add a can of diced green chiles, cumin, and pepper jack cheese for a zesty flavor.
5. Bacon Broccoli Casserole:
   Mix in crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory twist.

Freezing and Storage

• To Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To Freeze: Cool completely, cover tightly with foil or freezer wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• To Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or microwave individual portions until hot.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Mixing bowls
• Sauce whisk
• Spatula or spoon
• Steamer (optional for broccoli)

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish — creamy, cheesy, hearty, and irresistibly delicious. With tender chicken, nutty cheddar, and vibrant broccoli, it’s the perfect meal to bring warmth and joy to the table.

It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet satisfying enough to serve to guests. Every spoonful delivers a cozy hug in casserole form — truly a family classic worth keeping in your recipe rotation.

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Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 35 mins Total Time 55 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 480 per serving

Description

If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and absolutely satisfying, look no further than Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, lightly steamed)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 can (10.5 oz)
• ¼ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing and flavor)

For Optional Crunchy Topping:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the Ingredients : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Steam broccoli until just tender (about 3 minutes). Set aside. Cook rice and chicken if not already done.
2. 2. Make the Sauce : In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
3. 3. Combine Everything : Add the cooked chicken, rice, and broccoli to the sauce mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
4. 4. Transfer to Baking Dish : Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
5. 5. Add Optional Topping :In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers) with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole for a golden crunch.
6. 6. Bake : Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
7. 7. Cool Slightly : Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole