Chicken Broccoli Casserole (Printable)

Creamy, cheesy baked comfort with tender chicken and broccoli florets

# What You’ll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded

→ Vegetables

02 - 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen and thawed
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

→ Dairy

04 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
05 - 1 cup sour cream
06 - 1/2 cup milk

→ Pantry

07 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
08 - 1 cup cooked white rice, optional

→ Breads/Crumbs

09 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
10 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

→ Seasonings

11 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
13 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
14 - 1/4 tsp paprika

# How-to Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Steam or blanch broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli, onion, 1 cup cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, cooked rice (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
04 - Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
05 - In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika. Mix until breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
06 - Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the casserole, then evenly distribute the buttered breadcrumb mixture on top.
07 - Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
08 - Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set for easier scooping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns leftover chicken into something everyone actually gets excited about eating
  • The creamy sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
  • You can assemble it ahead and bake whenever you are ready to feed people
02 -
  • Squeezing excess water from your broccoli after steaming prevents a watery casserole later
  • The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling vigorously and the breadcrumbs are deeply golden
03 -
  • Use room temperature sour cream so it incorporates smoothly into the sauce
  • Letting the casserole rest before serving helps each portion hold its shape better

Go back