Welcome to the only Chicken and Broccoli Casserole recipe you’ll ever need. This dish is the epitome of comfort food: creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli. It’s a simple, one-pan wonder that solves the “what’s for dinner” dilemma with delicious results every single time. Forget complicated recipes; this is straightforward, satisfying, and perfect for a busy weeknight. We’ve perfected the sauce-to-filling ratio for a casserole that’s never dry, always delicious.
Whether you’re feeding your family or looking for a comforting meal for one, this recipe delivers. It’s a classic for a reason, blending simple ingredients into a truly memorable dish. Let’s dive in and create some comfort.
Why This is the Best Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
You might have tried other versions, but this recipe stands out. We skip the canned soup to create a rich, homemade cream sauce that makes all the difference. It’s deeply flavorful and has the perfect consistency to coat every piece of chicken and broccoli.
Incredibly Creamy: Our homemade sauce uses a simple roux, milk, and cheese for a velvety texture you can’t get from a can.
Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: We’ll show you how to blanch the broccoli so it stays bright green and tender-crisp, not mushy.
Family-Approved: This is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s a great way to get everyone to eat their greens!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, this casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you’re ready.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole uses simple, accessible ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
Bringing it all together before it goes into the oven.
For the Casserole:
Chicken: Cooked and shredded. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver.
Broccoli: Fresh florets work best for a vibrant color and crisp texture.
Pasta: Penne or rotini are great choices as they hold the sauce well.
Cheese: A sharp cheddar adds a robust flavor, while mozzarella provides that classic cheese-pull.
For the Creamy Sauce:
Butter: The base for our flavorful roux.
Flour: To thicken the sauce.
Milk: Whole milk creates the richest, creamiest sauce.
Garlic & Onion Powder: For a savory depth of flavor.
Dijon Mustard: A secret ingredient that adds a subtle tang and complexity.
Salt & Pepper: To taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Making this casserole is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bake every time. For another amazing one-pan meal, check out our Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole.
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, blanch the broccoli florets by boiling them for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transferring them to an ice bath. This stops the cooking process and keeps them bright green. Drain both the pasta and broccoli well.
2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
Look at that creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
3. Assemble the Casserole
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, and shredded chicken. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated. This method ensures every bite is as delicious as the last. If you love this creamy chicken dish, you’ll also enjoy this simple Creamy Garlic Chicken.
4. Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and all of the mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
Expert Tips for Success
Want to take your Chicken and Broccoli Casserole from great to unforgettable? Here are a few pro tips.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just until al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, and this prevents it from becoming mushy.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. For the smoothest sauce, buy a block and shred it yourself.
Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps it set, making it easier to serve.
Delicious Variations to Try
This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Try one of these delicious variations:
Add Bacon: For a salty, smoky flavor, add some crispy, crumbled bacon to the mixture.
Include Rice: Swap the pasta for cooked rice for a more traditional casserole feel.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a little heat.
Different Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or peas.
What to Serve with Your Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect fresh contrast. For something heartier, our famous Garlic Butter Breadsticks are perfect for sopping up any extra creamy sauce.
Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be chilled.
Any cooked chicken works well. Rotisserie chicken is a popular and convenient choice. You can also use leftover baked or boiled chicken breasts or thighs. Just be sure to shred or cube it into bite-sized pieces.
The key is to manage moisture. Ensure your cooked pasta and blanched broccoli are very well-drained. Using fresh, not frozen, broccoli also helps, as frozen broccoli releases more water during baking.
You can, but it’s important to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the casserole. This prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
This recipe uses a simple and delicious homemade cream sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and cheese. It’s a flavorful and healthier alternative to canned condensed soups.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store the cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or place the entire dish back in a 350°F oven until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of milk before reheating to restore its creaminess.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, this Chicken and Broccoli Casserole freezes beautifully. You can freeze it before or after baking. For best results, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with both plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s still chilled.
Enjoy Your Comfort Meal!
There you have it—a simple, delicious, and comforting Chicken and Broccoli Casserole that is sure to become a new family favorite. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up and bring everyone to the table. We know you’ll love it as much as we do.
If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your creation on Pinterest! We love seeing what you cook up.
The ultimate comfort food: our creamy, cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole!
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
FL Recipes
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
The ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Casserole recipe! This creamy, cheesy, and easy-to-make dish features tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich homemade cheese sauce. A perfect one-pan dinner for any night of the week.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta to al dente according to package directions. Blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. Drain pasta and broccoli well.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens, stirring often. Remove from heat and stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, and shredded chicken. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is well-coated.
Transfer the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and the mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set for easier serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcalProtein: 28gFat: 25gFiber: 3g
Notes
For the best texture, use fresh broccoli and shred your own cheese from a block. A rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for the cooked chicken. Ensure you don't overcook the pasta initially, as it will soften more during baking.
Keyword cheesy chicken casserole,chicken and broccoli casserole,easy dinner recipe
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
