Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
This creamy chicken broccoli casserole combines tender broccoli, cooked chicken, cheddar cheese, and a smooth sauce under a crisp breadcrumb topping. It is an easy family dinner that can be assembled ahead of time and baked when needed.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup or 1 1/2 cups homemade cream sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, optional
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch square or 2-quart casserole dish.
- Steam or boil the broccoli for 3–4 minutes, until it is just tender. Drain it thoroughly.
- Spread the cooked broccoli and chicken evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir gently until the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, if using, and sprinkle them over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is lightly browned.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Kid Chef Jobs
- Measure the milk, mayonnaise, cheese, and seasonings.
- Shred cooled cooked chicken.
- Arrange the broccoli and chicken in the casserole dish.
- Stir the creamy sauce ingredients together.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
Adult Helper
An adult should steam or boil the broccoli, handle the hot cookware, place the casserole in the oven, and check that the center is hot before serving.
Make-Ahead Tip
Assemble the casserole without the breadcrumb topping, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to one day. Add the breadcrumbs just before baking. A chilled casserole may need an additional 5–10 minutes in the oven.
Easy Variations
- Replace the chicken with cooked turkey or diced ham.
- Add cooked rice, pasta, or potatoes for a heartier meal.
- Use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheddar blend instead of plain cheddar.
- Add mushrooms, peas, carrots, or cauliflower.
- Replace the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or seasoned stuffing crumbs.