Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole.

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole (Comfort Food at Its Best)

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a classic, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce baked to perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food—easy to prepare, filling, and perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

This casserole is versatile: you can serve it over rice, pasta, or enjoy it on its own. With a golden, crispy topping and a creamy interior, it’s a recipe that never fails to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tender, juicy chicken combined with fresh broccoli
Creamy, cheesy sauce with just the right seasoning
Topped with crispy breadcrumbs or cheese for extra texture
Easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights
Makes great leftovers and can be reheated

Ingredients

For the Casserole

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works well)
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
1 cup cooked rice or pasta (optional, for a heartier dish)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Creamy Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ cups milk
½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
½ tsp paprika (optional)

For the Topping

½ cup breadcrumbs (panko works best for crispiness)
2 tbsp melted butter
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

Steam or blanch broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth and slightly thickened.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Stir in ½ cup of cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli, cooked rice or pasta (if using), and the creamy sauce.
Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly on top.

Step 5: Add the Topping

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan.
Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbly.
Optional: broil for 1–2 minutes for an extra crispy top.

Step 7: Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Serve as a main dish or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Casserole

Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but leftover cooked chicken works well too.
Broccoli: Slightly undercook the broccoli so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven.
Cheese: Mix cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack for extra flavor.
Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate; bake when ready to serve.

Variations

Low-carb version: Skip the rice or pasta and serve over cauliflower rice.
Extra veggie: Add carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more nutrients.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Creamy mushroom: Sauté mushrooms and add to the sauce for a richer flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes.
Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
Serve alongside garlic bread or dinner rolls.
Enjoy as a comforting, hearty meal on its own.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a classic comfort food that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, cheesy sauce into one satisfying dish. Easy to make, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep