Chicken Bakes

Chicken Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

Name: Chicken Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 3 cups (210g) frozen broccoli florets, thawed and chopped; 2 cups (220g) shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup (115g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour; 1 tsp (5g) paprika; 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder; 1 tsp (5g) onion powder; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth; 1/2 cup (120ml) milk

By Carol Bennett · June 18, 2026 · Chicken Bakes

Prep20 min

Cook35 min

Total55 min

Serves6

Chicken Broccoli and Cheese Casserole — Golden, cheesy, irresistible

There's something about a warm, cheesy casserole that just feels like home, doesn't it? For me, it's the ultimate comfort food - a big, satisfying dish that's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. My Chicken Broccoli and Cheese Casserole is one of those recipes that never fails to hit the spot, and it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

I remember making this casserole for my family when I was a kid, and it was always a huge hit. My mom would make it for potlucks and parties, and everyone would rave about it. It's one of those dishes that's just easy to love - the combination of tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and creamy cheese is a match made in heaven.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can make it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to customize - just add your favorite spices or herbs to give it a personal touch.

So if you're looking for a comforting, delicious casserole that's sure to become a family favorite, look no further. My Chicken Broccoli and Cheese Casserole is the perfect choice - it's a tried-and-true recipe that's been perfected over years of cooking and sharing with loved ones.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through every step of the way, from prep to finish. I'll share my tips and tricks for making the perfect casserole, and I'll give you plenty of ideas for customizing it to your taste. So let's get started, and let's make some delicious memories in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
It's a crowd-pleaser - the combination of chicken, broccoli, and cheese is a match made in heaven.
You can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite spices or herbs.
It's a great way to use up leftover chicken or broccoli, making it a budget-friendly option.
It's perfect for meal prep - you can make it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later.
It's a comforting, satisfying dish that's sure to become a family favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great casserole is layering - you want to create a dish that's got a nice balance of textures and flavors. In this recipe, we're using a combination of chicken, broccoli, and cheese to create a rich, satisfying flavor profile. By layering these ingredients in a specific order, we can ensure that each bite is packed with flavor and texture.

Another important factor is heat control - we want to cook the casserole at a temperature that's hot enough to melt the cheese and cook the chicken, but not so hot that it burns the top or dries out the ingredients. By using a moderate oven temperature and covering the dish for part of the cooking time, we can achieve a perfectly cooked casserole with a golden, cheesy crust.

Finally, it's all about the resting time - once the casserole is cooked, we need to let it rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set. This is the hardest part of the recipe, but trust me, it's worth it - the end result is a casserole that's creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious.

By following these simple principles, we can create a casserole that's truly greater than the sum of its parts. It's a dish that's sure to become a family favorite, and one that you'll return to again and again for its comforting, satisfying flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great casserole, the ingredients are everything. You want to use high-quality ingredients that are fresh and flavorful, and that will hold up well to cooking. In this recipe, we're using a combination of chicken, broccoli, and cheese, along with some pantry staples like flour and spices.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the chicken - you want to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. You'll also need some frozen broccoli, which you can thaw and chop before using. And of course, no casserole would be complete without a generous helping of cheese - we're using a combination of cheddar and Parmesan for this recipe.

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch piecesYou can use either chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe, depending on your preference. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly - chicken breasts will cook more quickly than thighs.
3 cups (210g) frozen broccoli florets, thawed and choppedYou can use either frozen or fresh broccoli for this recipe, but frozen is often more convenient and just as nutritious. Just be sure to thaw it before using and squeeze out any excess water.
2 cups (220g) shredded cheddar cheeseYou can use either sharp or mild cheddar cheese for this recipe, depending on your preference. Sharp cheddar will give a bolder flavor, while mild cheddar will be more subtle.
1 cup (115g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese is a must-have for this recipe - it adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the chicken and broccoli perfectly. You can use either fresh or dried Parmesan, but fresh is always best.
1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flourYou'll need some flour to thicken the sauce and coat the chicken - all-purpose flour is a good choice because it's neutral-tasting and won't affect the flavor of the dish.
1 tsp (5g) paprikaPaprika is a mild, sweet spice that adds depth and warmth to the dish. You can use either sweet or smoked paprika, depending on your preference.
1 tsp (5g) garlic powderGarlic powder is a convenient alternative to fresh garlic - it's easy to use and adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
1 tsp (5g) onion powderOnion powder is another convenient seasoning that adds a sweet, savory flavor to the dish. You can use either onion powder or dried onion flakes, depending on your preference.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltYou'll need some salt to bring out the flavors in the dish - use a mild salt like kosher or sea salt for the best flavor.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperBlack pepper is a must-have for any savory dish - it adds a sharp, peppery flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilYou'll need some oil to cook the chicken and broccoli - olive oil is a good choice because it's healthy and has a mild flavor.
1 cup (240ml) chicken brothChicken broth is a must-have for this recipe - it adds moisture and flavor to the dish. You can use either homemade or store-bought broth, depending on your preference.
1/2 cup (120ml) milkYou'll need some milk to thin out the sauce and add creaminess to the dish - whole milk is a good choice because it's rich and creamy.

Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula9x13 inch baking dish

How to Make Chicken Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3
In the same skillet, add the broccoli and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl and stir until well combined.
6
Add the cooked chicken and broccoli to the bowl and stir until they are well coated with the cheese mixture.
7
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and milk. Pour the mixture over the chicken and broccoli, and stir until everything is well combined.
8
Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and smooth out the top.
9
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
11
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
12
Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips

To ensure that the casserole is cooked through, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should be at least 165°F (74°C).
If you want a crispy top on your casserole, broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes after removing the foil. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn.
To make the casserole more substantial, add some cooked rice or pasta to the mixture before baking.
You can customize the casserole to your taste by adding different spices or herbs. Some options include dried thyme, oregano, or basil.
To make the casserole ahead of time, prepare the mixture and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to thaw it first if you're freezing it.
To reheat the casserole, cover it with foil and bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's hot and bubbly.
You can also reheat the casserole in the microwave. Just be sure to cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
To make the casserole more creamy, add some sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture before baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the chicken through before adding it to the casserole. This can lead to undercooked chicken and foodborne illness.
Not thawing the broccoli before using it. This can lead to a casserole that's too watery and doesn't cook evenly.
Not stirring the cheese mixture well enough. This can lead to a casserole that's not well coated with cheese and doesn't have a smooth texture.
Not covering the casserole with foil during baking. This can lead to a casserole that's too brown on top and doesn't cook evenly.
Not letting the casserole rest before serving. This can lead to a casserole that's too hot and doesn't have a chance to set.
Not using enough cheese. This can lead to a casserole that's not creamy and doesn't have a rich flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced ham or bacon to the casserole for a smoky flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as Swiss or mozzarella, for a unique flavor.
Add some chopped bell peppers or onions to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrients.
Use gluten-free flour to make the casserole gluten-free.
Add some cooked sausage or chicken to the casserole for extra protein.
Use low-fat cheese and milk to make the casserole lower in calories.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the casserole for extra flavor.

What to Serve With Chicken Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

This casserole is perfect for serving with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.

Some other options for serving this casserole include:

Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts

Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes

Grilled or sautéed vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach

A side of fruit or a green salad

Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beansA green salad with a light vinaigretteCrusty bread or crackersRoasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sproutsMashed potatoes or sweet potatoesGrilled or sautéed vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate.

To freeze, let the casserole cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze. When you're ready to reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Reheating the casserole is easy - just cover it with foil and bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's hot and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Some tips for reheating the casserole include:

Using a thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should be at least 165°F (74°C).

Stirring the casserole occasionally to prevent it from drying out.

Adding some extra cheese or milk to the casserole if it's too dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to thaw it first if you're freezing it.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese in this casserole. Some options include Swiss, mozzarella, or feta cheese.

Can I add some extra ingredients to the casserole?

Yes, you can add some extra ingredients to the casserole, such as diced ham or bacon, chopped bell peppers or onions, or cooked sausage or chicken.

How do I reheat the casserole?

To reheat the casserole, cover it with foil and bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's hot and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and being careful about cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients.

How long does the casserole last in the refrigerator?

The casserole will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. After that, it's best to freeze it for longer storage.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What's the best way to serve the casserole?

The casserole is perfect for serving with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.

The Full Recipe

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