Description
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. It’s easy, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (about 1.5 lbs raw)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 16 oz frozen, thawed and drained)
- 2½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- ½ cup onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard (optional, adds depth)
For the Topping (optional):
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
- Prepare the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well and pat dry. If using frozen broccoli, ensure it’s completely thawed and well-drained.
- Cook the Chicken: If your chicken isn’t already cooked, season raw chicken breasts with salt and pepper. You can either bake them at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until cooked through, or poach them in simmering water for 15-18 minutes. Once cooked, let cool slightly and dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux – it should be golden and smell slightly nutty.
- Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture begins to thicken, about 4-5 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Reduce heat to low. Stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving ½ cup for topping. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and dry mustard if using. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken and blanched broccoli. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and gently fold everything together until well coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Prepare the Topping: If using the breadcrumb topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown. If the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Using Rotisserie Chicken: This is a fantastic time-saver! One rotisserie chicken typically yields about 3 cups of shredded meat, which is perfect for this recipe.
- Make It Lighter: Substitute half-and-half with whole milk and reduce cheese to 2 cups total for a lighter version that’s still delicious.
- Rice Addition: Some families love adding 2 cups of cooked white or brown rice to make it even heartier. Mix it in with the chicken and broccoli before adding the sauce.
- Veggie Variations: Cauliflower, green beans, or asparagus can replace or supplement the broccoli.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce for heat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg