This cheesy chicken broccoli casserole is creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken, broccoli, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s an easy comfort food that works perfectly for busy weeknight dinners and family meals.
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy one-dish comfort meal
- Tender chicken and broccoli
- Creamy, cheesy sauce
- Simple pantry-friendly ingredients
- Great for weeknight dinners and meal prep
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cooked white rice, optional
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, optional
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until lightly browned and nearly cooked through.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Make the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken, broccoli, and optional cooked rice to the sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli Casserole
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Fresh or frozen broccoli can be used; thaw frozen broccoli first and drain well.
- Don’t overcook the chicken before baking.
- Add cooked rice to make the casserole even heartier.
- For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy chicken broccoli casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to prepare and full of creamy, cheesy flavor. Tender chicken, broccoli, and melted cheese come together for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
