This Creamy Broccoli & Chicken Casserole is a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for festive gatherings and family dinners. With tender broccoli florets, succulent chunks of chicken, and a luscious creamy sauce, it’s a comforting bake that disappears from the table faster than you’d expect. Its rich, cheesy flavor blends beautifully with the freshness of broccoli, making it an irresistible main or side dish. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or over rice, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite—just like it did when it vanished in hours at last year’s Christmas party.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (lightly steamed)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or bread crumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (if using topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. - Prepare the Broccoli
Wash and cut fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. Lightly steam them for 3–4 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender. You can also use frozen broccoli, thawed and drained. - Cook the Chicken
Use leftover rotisserie chicken, boiled chicken breast, or pan-seared chicken. Cut or shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside. - Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well mixed. - Layer the Casserole
- Spread the cooked chicken evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the steamed broccoli over the chicken.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the broccoli.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the top, spreading it with a spatula so it covers everything.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
- Optional Crunchy Topping
If you want a golden, crispy topping, mix crushed Ritz crackers or bread crumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer. - Bake the Casserole
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Serve and Enjoy
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Serve hot with rice, pasta, or warm bread.
Tips & Variations:
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Increase baking time by about 10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
- Add some spice: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper into the creamy sauce for a kick.
- Veggie boost: Add sliced mushrooms, carrots, or peas for extra color and nutrients.
- Low-carb option: Swap out the cream of chicken soup for heavy cream and chicken broth, and skip any bread topping.
Why it’s so addictive:
The combination of rich creaminess, cheesy goodness, and the slight crunch of broccoli keeps you coming back for more. The balance of textures—tender chicken, creamy sauce, melty cheese—makes this casserole a perfect comfort dish for any season.
If you want, I can also give you a festive holiday twist version of this recipe that I think might be even better for Christmas gatherings.