Comfort Classics

Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

Name: Chicken And Broccoli Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) pieces; 3 cups (210g) broccoli florets; 1 cup (120g) uncooked pasta or rice; 2 tablespoons (30g) olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup (240g) shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup (60g) grated mozzarella cheese; 1 can (10.5 oz/300g) condensed cream of chicken soup; 1 teaspoon (5g) dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup (120g) panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted

By Verity Norwood · June 19, 2026 · Comfort Classics

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made Chicken And Broccoli Casserole for my family. It was a cold winter evening, and we all gathered around the dinner table, eager to taste the delicious aroma that had been filling the house for hours. The combination of tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and creamy sauce, all topped with a crunchy golden brown crust, was an instant hit.

As a home cook, I love one-dish casseroles and bakes because they are easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This Chicken And Broccoli Casserole recipe is a staple in my household, and I'm excited to share it with you.

The best part about this recipe is that it's incredibly versatile. You can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite spices or herbs, and it's also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in the fridge. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick and easy dinner solution or a beginner cook wanting to try a new recipe, this Chicken And Broccoli Casserole is sure to become a favorite.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the steps to make a delicious Chicken And Broccoli Casserole that's sure to impress your family and friends. From the initial preparation to the final presentation, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your casserole turns out perfect every time.

So, let's get started and make a delicious Chicken And Broccoli Casserole that will become a staple in your household, just like it has in mine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken And Broccoli Casserole is an easy and comforting one-dish meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.
It's a great way to use up leftover vegetables and customize the recipe to your taste.
The casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
It's a budget-friendly meal that's perfect for a large family or a special occasion.
The recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your dietary needs and preferences.
It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Chicken And Broccoli Casserole is in the layering of the ingredients. By placing the chicken and broccoli in a single layer, you ensure that they cook evenly and that the sauce can penetrate all the way through. The starchy pasta or rice absorbs the flavorful sauce, while the cheese and breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunch and texture.

The cooking process is also crucial. By baking the casserole in a moderate oven, you allow the chicken to cook through, the broccoli to steam, and the sauce to thicken. The result is a creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious casserole that's sure to become a family favorite.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the resting time. After the casserole is cooked, it's essential to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set, the cheese to melt, and the flavors to meld together.

Finally, the presentation is everything. A golden brown crust, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and a side of garlic bread or a green salad can elevate this humble casserole into a show-stopping main course.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Chicken And Broccoli Casserole, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key players are chicken, broccoli, pasta or rice, cheese, and a can of condensed cream of chicken soup. You'll also need some basic pantry staples like olive oil, salt, and pepper.

When shopping for the ingredients, look for fresh broccoli and boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or turkey if you prefer. For the cheese, you can use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella or your favorite cheese blend.

1 1/2 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) piecesI like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because they cook evenly and are easy to work with. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or turkey if you prefer.
3 cups (210g) broccoli floretsFresh broccoli is essential for this recipe, so try to use it within a day or two of purchasing. You can also use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible.
1 cup (120g) uncooked pasta or riceI like to use a combination of pasta and rice for this recipe, but you can use either one or the other if you prefer. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions.
2 tablespoons (30g) olive oilOlive oil is a great choice for this recipe because it has a high smoke point and a mild flavor. You can also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you prefer.
1 onion, choppedA chopped onion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the casserole. You can also use shallots or scallions if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedMinced garlic is a great addition to this recipe because it adds a pungent flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt if you prefer.
1 cup (240g) shredded cheddar cheeseShredded cheese is essential for this recipe because it melts evenly and adds a creamy texture. You can also use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella or your favorite cheese blend.
1/2 cup (60g) grated mozzarella cheeseGrated mozzarella cheese adds a nice texture and flavor to the casserole. You can also use shredded mozzarella or a combination of mozzarella and parmesan.
1 can (10.5 oz/300g) condensed cream of chicken soupCondensed cream of chicken soup is a great addition to this recipe because it adds a rich and creamy flavor. You can also use homemade chicken soup or a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream.
1 teaspoon (5g) dried thymeDried thyme is a great herb to use in this recipe because it adds a savory flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. You can also use fresh thyme or a combination of thyme and rosemary.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors in the casserole. Be sure to taste and adjust as needed.
1 cup (120g) panko breadcrumbsPanko breadcrumbs are a great choice for this recipe because they add a crunchy texture and a mild flavor. You can also use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, meltedMelted butter is a great addition to this recipe because it adds a rich and creamy flavor. You can also use olive oil or avocado oil if you prefer.

Ingredients for Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish

How to Make Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

1
Preheat the oven to 375 F (190 C).
2
In a large heavy skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
5
In a separate pot, cook the pasta or rice according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, cooked pasta or rice, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
7
In a separate bowl, mix the condensed cream of chicken soup, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken and broccoli mixture, and stir until well coated.
8
Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish and top with the grated mozzarella cheese.
9
Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole and drizzle with the melted butter.
10
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
11
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken has reached 165 F (74 C).
12
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a side salad.

Expert Tips

To ensure that the casserole cooks evenly, make sure to stir the mixture well before transferring it to the baking dish.
If using frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible to prevent a soggy casserole.
To add some extra flavor to the casserole, try adding some diced ham or cooked bacon to the mixture.
If you prefer a crisper top on your casserole, try broiling it for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
To make the casserole more substantial, try adding some cooked sausage or diced bell peppers to the mixture.
To freeze the casserole, simply assemble the mixture and freeze it before baking. When you're ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
To make the casserole ahead of time, simply assemble the mixture and refrigerate it overnight. When you're ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before baking.
To add some extra texture to the casserole, try adding some chopped nuts or seeds to the breadcrumb mixture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the chicken to the correct temperature, which can result in food poisoning.
Overmixing the casserole mixture, which can result in a tough or dry casserole.
Not letting the casserole rest before serving, which can result in a soggy or unevenly heated casserole.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can result in a bland or unappetizing casserole.
Not following the recipe instructions, which can result in a casserole that doesn't turn out as expected.
Not using the correct type of cheese, which can result in a casserole that doesn't melt or brown properly.

Variations and Substitutions

Try adding some diced ham or cooked bacon to the mixture for added flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or parmesan, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some chopped nuts or seeds to the breadcrumb mixture for added texture.
Use leftover cooked chicken or turkey for a quick and easy casserole.
Try adding some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Use a combination of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup for a richer and more complex flavor profile.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the mixture for added flavor and freshness.

What to Serve With Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

This Chicken And Broccoli Casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a side salad. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a more substantial meal.

Some other ideas for serving this casserole include:

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesMashed potatoesGrilled chicken or steakSauteed spinach

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Chicken And Broccoli Casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, simply assemble the mixture and freeze it before baking. When you're ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

To reheat the casserole, simply bake it in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it.

Some tips for storing and reheating the casserole include:

Make sure to label and date the casserole before storing it in the fridge or freezer.

Use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn and keep the casserole fresh.

Reheat the casserole to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) to ensure food safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for this recipe. Simply thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible to prevent a soggy casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Simply assemble the mixture and refrigerate it overnight. When you're ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before baking.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Simply assemble the mixture and freeze it before baking. When you're ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

The best type of cheese for this recipe is a combination of cheddar and mozzarella. You can also use other types of cheese, such as parmesan or provolone, but cheddar and mozzarella work well together and melt nicely.

Can I add other ingredients to this casserole?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to this casserole. Some ideas include diced ham or cooked bacon, chopped nuts or seeds, and diced bell peppers or mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed to ensure that the casserole is cooked through and the ingredients are heated to a safe internal temperature.

How do I know if the casserole is cooked through?

You can check if the casserole is cooked through by using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The casserole should be heated to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). You can also check the casserole by inserting a fork or knife into the center. If it slides in easily and the casserole is hot and steaming, it is likely cooked through.

Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this casserole in a slow cooker. Simply assemble the mixture and cook it on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed to ensure that the casserole is cooked through and the ingredients are heated to a safe internal temperature.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

To prevent the casserole from becoming soggy, be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the broccoli and use a moderate amount of sauce. You can also try adding some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers to the top of the casserole to help absorb any excess moisture.

The Full Recipe

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