This Easy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a comforting, one-dish wonder that brings together tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. In just 50 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The golden, bubbly topping and rich flavors make every bite irresistible.
With a perfect balance of textures—creamy, crunchy, and tender—this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Packed with protein and fresh veggies, it’s a wholesome dish that satisfies without weighing you down. The savory aroma filling your kitchen will have everyone eagerly waiting at the table!
Ingredients for Easy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can; substitute with cream of mushroom for a different flavor)
- ½ cup sour cream (plain Greek yogurt works as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred, but bottled works too)
- ½ teaspoon curry powder (optional, for a hint of warmth)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli, chopped (frozen broccoli can be used; thaw and drain well)
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut)
- ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (substitute with mozzarella or a blend for variety)
- ½ cup soft bread crumbs (panko or crushed crackers work too)
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted (use unsalted for better control of sodium)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the broccoli: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the chopped broccoli until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, lemon juice, and curry powder until smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble the casserole: In the greased baking dish, layer the cooked broccoli and cubed chicken. Pour the prepared sauce over the top and gently mix to combine.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the soft bread crumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Easy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice or garlic mashed potatoes for a complete meal. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. It’s also great with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness!
Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize this casserole to suit your taste! Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or celery if you prefer. Add a kick of heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For a veggie boost, toss in some sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers. If you’re short on time, use frozen broccoli instead of fresh—just thaw and drain it first!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
To speed up prep, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. You can also chop the broccoli and prepare the sauce mixture a day ahead and store them in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply assemble and pop it in the oven. For an even quicker option, skip the breadcrumb topping and sprinkle with crushed crackers or French fried onions instead!
Storage and Reheating Made Easy
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. If the sauce thickens, stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring back its creamy texture.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use frozen broccoli? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Can I make this ahead? Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge. Can I freeze it? You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Easy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken 1 can
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- 4 cups fresh broccoli chopped
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked and cubed
- ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup soft bread crumbs
- 2 Tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook broccoli in boiling salted water until tender, then drain.
- In a small bowl mix together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, lemon juice, and curry. Set aside.
- In a 9 x 13 greased baking dish add broccoli and chicken.
- Pour soup mixture over top and mix together.
- Sprinkle with grated cheese.
- Combine bread crumbs with butter and sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.