Chicken Broccoli Casserole (Printable)
Creamy baked chicken and broccoli with melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
→ Vegetables
02 - 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen 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
07 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
→ Pantry Items
08 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
09 - 1 cup cooked white rice, optional
→ Bread & Crumbs
10 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
→ 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. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Steam or blanch broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green. Drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
03 - In a large bowl, mix cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, chopped onion, 1 cup cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, cooked rice (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly distributed.
04 - Spread the chicken and broccoli mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, pressing gently to create a uniform layer.
05 - Combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika in a small bowl. Mix until all breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
06 - Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the casserole. Evenly distribute the buttered breadcrumb mixture on top.
07 - Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the filling is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
08 - Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set for easier scooping.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Everything comes together in one dish, including the cleanup
- The creamy sauce and crispy topping create this perfect texture contrast nobody can resist
02 -
- Overcooking the broccoli during prep means mushy final results, so watch closely
- Letting it rest before serving seems unnecessary but prevents everything from being too runny
03 -
- Rotisserie chicken from the grocery store saves so much prep time
- Squeeze thawed frozen broccoli in a clean towel to prevent excess water