Why Make This Recipe
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a wonderful dish that brings together the goodness of chicken, broccoli, and cheese in a warm, comforting meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with a homemade dinner. This casserole is not only tasty but also helps get your kids to eat their veggies without a fuss!
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Serve this casserole warm, straight from the oven. It pairs nicely with a fresh salad or some bread on the side for a complete meal. You can also top it with some extra shredded cheese or a squeeze of lemon for a tasty touch.
How to Store Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tips to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
- Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Steaming the broccoli ensures it stays bright green and tender.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
- You can use different types of cheese if you prefer, like mozzarella or pepper jack.
Variation
For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a lighter soup or have the casserole without rice. You can also make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
What should I do if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can make a homemade version using equal parts of broth, milk, and a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch. Alternatively, use any other creamy soup you have on hand, such as cream of mushroom soup.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed Steaming preserves color and tenderness.
- 1 cup cooked rice Any variety of rice works well.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup Can substitute with a lighter soup if desired.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded Feel free to use other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.
- 1/2 cup milk Regular or low-fat milk can be used.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping) Can use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.