Chicken Broccoli Casserole (Printable)
Creamy baked chicken and broccoli with melted cheese and crispy buttered breadcrumbs
# What You Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
→ Vegetables
02 - 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen and thawed
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
→ Dairy
04 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
05 - 1 cup sour cream
06 - 1/2 cup milk
→ Pantry Staples
07 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
08 - 1 cup cooked white rice, optional
→ Topping
09 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
10 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
→ Seasonings
11 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
13 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
14 - 1/4 tsp paprika
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Steam or blanch broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
03 - In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli, onion, 1 cup cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, cooked rice (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
04 - Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, pressing lightly to compact.
05 - In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika. Stir until breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
06 - Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the casserole, then evenly distribute the buttered breadcrumb mixture on top.
07 - Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until edges are bubbly and topping is golden brown.
08 - Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set for easier scooping.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The kind of meal that people ask for by name, not because it is fancy but because it tastes like someone cared enough to feed you properly.
- Perfect for those nights when you want dinner done and happy faces around the table without spending hours over the stove.
02 -
- Draining your broccoli thoroughly is the difference between a creamy casserole and a soupy one, so do not skip this step.
- The topping can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly, so check on it during the last 5 minutes of baking if your oven runs hot.
03 -
- Rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is your best friend here, saving you time and adding extra flavor.
- Room temperature ingredients blend together more smoothly, so take the sour cream and milk out while you prep everything else.