Delicious Chicken Broccoli Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic Made Easy

Sometimes, you just need a dinner that makes people smile before the first bite. That’s exactly what you get with Delicious Chicken Broccoli Casserole. It’s creamy, cheesy, full of cozy flavor, and packed with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli. This is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—straight out of the oven.

It’s also a weeknight hero. Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and the whole thing bakes up golden and bubbly with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning a potluck, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

Let’s walk through exactly how to make the best version of this all-time favorite comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Comfort Food Classic

Cheesy. Creamy. Crunchy on top. It checks every comfort food box.

Simple, Real Ingredients

No weird additives. Just pantry and freezer staples that come together in one dish.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Prep it in the morning, pop it in the fridge, and bake it later for an easy dinner.

Kid and Crowd Approved

Even picky eaters love it. Plus, it scales up easily for a big crowd.

One-Pan Magic

It bakes in one dish, so cleanup is a breeze.

Ingredients (With Exact Measurements)

This recipe makes 6–8 servings in a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie or leftover works great)
• 3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets (lightly steamed if fresh, thawed if frozen)
• 1 ½ cups cooked white rice (or substitute with cooked quinoa or pasta)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra melt)

Topping

• ¾ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Optional Add-ins

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for tang
• ½ cup chopped sautéed onions or mushrooms for flavor boost

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine:

• Cooked chicken
• Broccoli
• Cooked rice
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
• Half the cheese (½ cup cheddar + mozzarella if using)

Mix until everything is evenly coated and combined.

Step 3: Transfer and Top

• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish
• Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top

In a small bowl:

• Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and Parmesan
• Sprinkle over the cheese layer

Step 4: Bake

• Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top
• Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving

Variations to Try

Want to make it your own? Here are ways to change it up:

Swap the Base

• Use pasta instead of rice
• Try brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber
• Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version

Add Veggies

• Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or carrots
• Add frozen peas or corn for sweetness and color

Use Different Cheeses

• Sharp white cheddar for more tang
• Pepper jack for spice
• Gruyère or Swiss for fancy flavor

Go Low-Carb

• Skip the rice and add more broccoli or chopped cauliflower
• Use a keto-friendly cream of chicken soup and mayonnaise

How to Make It Ahead of Time

Make-Ahead Instructions

• Assemble the casserole but don’t add the topping yet
• Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours
• Add the topping just before baking
• Add 5 extra minutes to the bake time if coming straight from the fridge

Freezer Option

• Assemble fully and cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap
• Label and freeze for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed

What to Serve with Chicken Broccoli Casserole

It’s a full meal in one dish, but here are sides that go great with it:

Salads

• Caesar salad
• Garden salad with vinaigrette
• Coleslaw or broccoli slaw

Breads

• Buttery dinner rolls
• Garlic bread
• Cheesy biscuits

Veggie Sides

• Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts
• Sautéed green beans
• Steamed corn

Drinks

• Sparkling water with lemon
• Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
• Sweet tea or lemonade

Tips for the Best Casserole

Steam Broccoli Lightly

If using fresh broccoli, steam it for just 3–4 minutes. It’ll finish cooking in the oven but stay bright and tender.

Shred Your Own Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Shredding your own makes a difference.

Don’t Overcook

Bake until the top is golden and bubbling. Overbaking can dry out the filling.

Let It Rest

Give the casserole 5–10 minutes to rest after baking. It sets up better and is easier to scoop.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

In the Fridge

• Let cool completely
• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until hot

In the Freezer

• Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in the fridge
• Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through

Make It into Lunches

Portion into containers with a side of veggies or salad for quick weekday lunches

Conclusion: A Classic That Always Delivers

Delicious Chicken Broccoli Casserole is the kind of meal you’ll turn to again and again. It’s warm, cheesy, and satisfying—but easy enough to throw together on a Tuesday. The combo of juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and a rich, creamy base with that buttery topping is basically everything you want in a comforting casserole.

Whether you’re feeding picky kids or serving guests, it’s a surefire hit. So grab your ingredients and get baking—this one’s going straight into your weekly rotation.

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FAQs

1. Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, though it’s best to use rotisserie or leftover chicken for texture and flavor. Canned chicken will work in a pinch—just drain and shred well.

2. Can I make this casserole without soup?

Absolutely! Substitute 1 cup of a homemade roux or béchamel sauce (butter, flour, milk, and broth) for the can of soup.

3. Can I use frozen broccoli straight from the bag?

Yes, but thaw and drain it first. Too much water will make the casserole soggy.

4. Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Yes! Use a gluten-free cream soup and swap the crackers for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed GF pretzels.

5. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, and it works perfectly. Shred it and mix it right into the filling.

6. Can I leave out the rice?

You can. Replace it with extra broccoli, cauliflower rice, or cooked pasta for a variation.

7. What if I don’t have sour cream?

Substitute plain Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or more mayo. The texture may change slightly, but the result will still be creamy and rich.

8. How do I make it vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for chickpeas, tofu, or more veggies like mushrooms and spinach. Use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken.

9. Can I add a crunchy topping without crackers?

Yes! Try toasted breadcrumbs, cornflakes, crushed pretzels, or even fried onions for a different crunch.

10. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, but it’s best baked. If using a slow cooker, mix everything together and cook on low for 3–4 hours. Add the topping just before serving.