Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole saves my weeknights again and again. You know those evenings when you stare at the fridge hoping dinner magically appears? Same. This casserole is my answer because it uses simple pantry staples, makes the house smell amazing, and nobody complains at the table. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has just enough broccoli to feel like you tried. Best part is you can prep it ahead or toss it together last minute without stress.
More About This Recipe:
This cozy bake is the definition of comfort food done right. It’s basically a creamy chicken and broccoli mixture tucked under a cheesy topping and baked until bubbly and golden. You can use rotisserie chicken to speed things up or cook chicken breasts while you prep the rest. Either way, the whole dish comes together easily and disappears fast.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Here’s why I love this Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole: it’s budget-friendly and it tastes like home. Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole saves my weeknights again and again. You know those evenings when you stare at the fridge hoping dinner magically appears? Same. This…
When I first tried an Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole years ago, I honestly just wanted something warm and dependable. Now it’s part of my regular rotation because it’s easy to tweak. Swap cheeses, add rice if you want it heartier, or use a buttered cracker topping for crunch. It also scales well for potlucks and freezes nicely for future I do not want to cook nights.
For folks who love a good baked dinner, you might also enjoy my other comfort favorites like this easy million dollar chicken casserole. Totally different flavor, same simple vibe.
“This casserole is on repeat at our house. My kids ask for seconds and it reheats perfectly for lunches.” — Jenna, a reader who DM’d me her rave review.
Cream of Chicken Soup Substitutes
You do not have to use canned soup if that is not your thing. I keep a few backup options for those days I run out or want a cleaner ingredient list. The goal is the same: creamy base that hugs the chicken and broccoli without getting soupy.
Quick From-Scratch Cream Option
Whisk 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons flour in a saucepan over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly stream in 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup milk, whisking until smooth and thick. Season with 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. This makes a silky, flavorful sauce that replaces the canned version cup-for-cup.
Greek Yogurt Shortcut
Mix 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder and 1 to 2 tablespoons milk. It’s tangy, creamy, and adds extra protein. I like this in lighter versions when I am adding extra cheese on top.
If you like bold flavors and want a different spin entirely, try this weeknight-friendly bake too: fajita chicken casserole. It’s a great change of pace and uses similar pantry staples.
Key Ingredients
Here is what makes this dish work so well. You can adjust amounts to taste, but these basics keep it balanced and satisfying.
- Chicken: 3 cups cooked and shredded. Rotisserie chicken is perfect. Leftover grilled chicken works too.
- Broccoli: 4 cups small florets. Fresh or frozen. If frozen, thaw and pat dry so the casserole does not get watery.
- Creamy base: 1 can cream of chicken soup or one of the substitutes above, plus 1/2 cup sour cream for richness.
- Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar, divided. I like a mix of sharp cheddar and a little mozzarella for stretch.
- Seasoning: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. A pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
- Crunchy topping: 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or seasoned panko mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
- Optional add-ins: 1 cup cooked rice for a fuller meal, or 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms for a deeper flavor.
If you like the comfort combo of broccoli and cheese, you might also love my baked dinner favorite, broccoli cheddar stuffed chicken. It is a fun twist for nights when you want something special but still easy.
Using this base, your Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole will be creamy without being heavy, with a bubbly cheesy top that invites everyone to the table. The balance of chicken to broccoli is key for texture, so try not to overload it with just one or the other.
LaKita’s Pro Tips & Tricks
How to Bake It Just Right
Use a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it first. Stir together the chicken, broccoli, soup or sauce, sour cream, half the cheese, and seasonings. Spread it in the dish, top with the rest of the cheese, then the cracker or panko mixture. Bake at 375 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the topping is golden.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Notes
Assemble the casserole up to the topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add topping right before baking so it stays crisp. To freeze, wrap tightly without the cracker topping for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, add topping, and bake as directed adding 5 to 10 minutes if needed.
Food safety smart tip: If you cook chicken specifically for this dish, aim for an internal temp of 165 degrees F. Let it cool slightly before shredding so it stays juicy.
Texture check: If the mixture looks too thick before baking, splash in a few tablespoons of milk. If it looks too loose, add a handful of cheese or a spoon of cream cheese to stabilize it.
Looking for a different but equally family-friendly bake? This ultra-comforting biscuits and gravy casserole brings classic breakfast flavors to dinner. It is a keeper.
What to Serve With It
Keep sides simple so the casserole can shine. The flavors are creamy and cheesy with bright broccoli, so you want crunch, freshness, or something starchy to round out the plate.
- Fresh: Side salad with lemon vinaigrette or sliced tomatoes with salt and olive oil.
- Crunch: Garlic bread, toasted sourdough, or a crisp slaw.
- Starchy sides: Buttered noodles, roasted potatoes, or white rice if you did not add rice to the casserole.
- Veggie extras: Roasted carrots or green beans for a colorful plate.
- Snacky starter: Try these fun bites on the side, baked broccoli cheese balls, if you are feeding a crowd.
Common Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli without steaming it first?
Yes. Cut it into small florets so it softens while baking. If you like very tender broccoli, steam for 2 to 3 minutes first and pat dry.
How do I keep the topping crisp for leftovers?
Store topping and casserole separately if you can. Reheat the casserole, then add extra crumbs and broil for 1 to 2 minutes to crisp.
Can I make this gluten free?
Use gluten free cream soup or the from-scratch sauce with gluten free flour. Swap crackers for gluten free panko.
What cheese melts best here?
Freshly shredded cheddar melts smoothly. A little mozzarella adds stretch. Avoid pre-shredded if possible to dodge the anti-caking coating.
What is the best way to reheat?
Cover with foil and warm in a 325 degree F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Microwaving works for single portions, but the oven keeps the topping crispy.
Let’s Get This On Your Table Tonight
There is a reason I come back to this recipe so often. It is reliable, flexible, and tastes like a hug after a long day. If you crave more cozy bakes, check out these reader favorites too: a fun twist with chicken burrito casserole and a skillet-style option with bacon wrapped air fryer chicken breasts. For more inspiration and variations beyond my kitchen, I also like this classic take from Allrecipes: Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Casserole Recipe, and this hearty rice version from The Cozy Cook: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole – The Cozy Cook. Now grab your dish, stir it all together, and let your Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole bubble away while you put your feet up. You have got this. 
Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Stir together the chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup (or substitute), sour cream, half of the cheese, and seasonings.
- Spread the mixture in the greased baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheese and the crushed cracker or panko mixture.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the topping is golden.
