Oh, let me tell you about this Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole! It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheese come together in a creamy, dreamy sauce that’s simply irresistible. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Just layer everything in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen! Trust me, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trust me, you’re going to love this creamy, cheesy goodness!
- This one’s a game-changer for busy weeknight dinners.
- It’s a fantastic way to sneak in those healthy greens.
- Leftovers? They taste even better the next day!
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and cheesy right off the cob! |
Ingredients
- Broccoli – adds a nutritious crunch and vibrant color.
- Chicken – provides lean protein to keep the dish hearty.
- Cheddar cheese – melts beautifully for a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Cream of chicken soup – serves as a creamy base, enhancing the overall taste.
- Rice – acts as a filling component, making the casserole more substantial.
- Garlic powder – adds a hint of savory depth to the dish.
- Onion powder – brings a mild sweetness and aromatic flavor.
- Salt – enhances all the flavors in the casserole.
- Pepper – adds a touch of heat and balances the richness.
- Olive oil – helps to sauté ingredients and adds healthy fats.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Gather your ingredients: broccoli, chicken, cheese, rice, and seasonings.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
In a skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced chicken breast and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
While the chicken cooks, steam the broccoli until tender but still bright green.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, and shredded cheese.
Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish.
Top with additional cheese for that melty goodness.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious broccoli chicken cheese casserole!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
• Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture. Blanch it briefly before adding to the casserole for a vibrant color.
• Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor. Just shred it and mix it in!
• Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a unique twist.
• Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top before baking for a delightful crunch.
• Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to set, making it easier to serve.
How to Serve
Enjoy your Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole with these delightful serving suggestions:
- Top with crispy fried onions for added crunch.
- Serve alongside a fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Pair with garlic bread to soak up the cheesy goodness.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Complement with steamed rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
- Offer a side of roasted vegetables for extra nutrients.
- Try it with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing leftovers is a breeze with these simple tips:
Storing Leftovers
• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
• Portion the casserole into individual servings for easy thawing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating
• Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe dish and cover.
• Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and maintain texture.
broccoli chicken cheese casserole
Equipment
- 1 Casserole dish Greased for baking
- 1 Skillet For cooking chicken
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups Broccoli Steamed until tender
- 2 cups Cooked rice Acts as a filling component
Protein
- 2 cups Diced chicken breast Cooked until golden brown
Dairy
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese Shredded, for mixing and topping
Condiments & Seasonings
- 1 can Cream of chicken soup Serves as a creamy base
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder For savory depth
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder For mild sweetness
- to taste Salt Enhances flavors
- to taste Pepper Adds heat
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil For sautéing chicken
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather your ingredients: broccoli, chicken, cheese, rice, and seasonings.
Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish.
Cook Chicken
- In a skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare Broccoli
- While the chicken cooks, steam the broccoli until tender but still bright green.
Mix Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, and shredded cheese. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
Assemble Casserole
- Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Top with additional cheese for that melty goodness.
Bake
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious broccoli chicken cheese casserole!
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli in this casserole?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this dish. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.
What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?
If you’re looking for a meat alternative, cooked turkey or even chickpeas can be great substitutes. They will still provide that hearty texture and flavor you love in a casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time! Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What cheese works best for this casserole?
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for its sharp flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or even cream cheese for a creamier texture. Experiment with your favorites to find the perfect combination!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your new favorite comfort dish, the Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole! This delightful recipe is not just simple to whip up, but it also brings a warm, nostalgic feeling to the table. So gather your loved ones, savor each cheesy bite, and relish the joy of home-cooked goodness. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back for seconds!
