Perfect Creamy Chicken Broccoli

This hearty chicken broccoli casserole transforms simple ingredients into a comforting family meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The creamy sauce envelops tender chicken and broccoli florets, creating a dish that satisfies both adults and picky eaters alike.

This casserole became my family's Tuesday night tradition after I first made it during a particularly hectic week when I needed something that would stretch our leftover rotisserie chicken. Now my children actually cheer when they see the casserole dish come out on cooking day.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken: 3 cups provides lean protein and makes this casserole hearty enough for dinner look for rotisserie chicken as a time-saving option
• Broccoli florets: 4 cups add vibrant color and nutrition steaming them briefly beforehand ensures perfect texture
• Cooked rice or pasta: 2 cups forms the satisfying base choose brown rice for extra nutrition or pasta for a heartier dish
• Cream of chicken soup: 1 can creates a quick flavorful sauce foundation with minimal effort
• Sour cream: 1 cup adds tanginess and creaminess full fat yields best results
• Milk: 1/2 cup thins the sauce to perfect consistency use whole milk for richness
• Cheddar cheese: 1 ½ cups divided forms the gooey comforting topping sharp cheddar provides the best flavor
• Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp infuses subtle savory notes throughout the casserole
• Salt and black pepper: balance the flavors and enhance the other ingredients
• Optional topping: crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter creates an irresistible crunchy golden crown

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F and take a moment to thoroughly grease your 9x13 baking dish ensuring nothing sticks during baking. This temperature creates the perfect environment for melding flavors while creating a golden top without drying out the casserole.

Create the Creamy Base:

In a large mixing bowl combine cream of chicken soup sour cream and milk until completely smooth. This forms the luxurious sauce that will coat every ingredient. Whisk in garlic powder salt and pepper ensuring they distribute evenly throughout the mixture for consistent flavor in every bite.

Add the Main Components:

Gently fold in your cooked chicken broccoli florets and rice or pasta ensuring everything gets evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Add 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and stir just until incorporated being careful not to break up the broccoli too much. The cheese will melt throughout creating pockets of deliciousness.

Assemble the Casserole:

Transfer the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish spreading it evenly to the corners. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar across the top which will create that irresistible melty cheese layer everyone loves. If using the optional topping mix crushed crackers with melted butter and scatter across the cheese for extra texture.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the casserole in your preheated oven uncovered and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch for the edges to become bubbly and the top to turn a beautiful golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving allowing the flavors to settle and making it easier to serve neat portions.

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The broccoli is truly the unsung hero of this dish. While many casseroles focus on the creamy components I find that broccoli adds just the right texture and freshness to balance the richness. My grandmother always said a good casserole needs something green and she was absolutely right. When my youngest daughter who normally pushes vegetables around her plate asked for seconds specifically mentioning how good the broccoli tasted I knew this recipe was a keeper.

Make-Ahead Magic

This casserole shines as a meal prep champion. You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. When ready to serve remove from the refrigerator while your oven preheats then bake as directed adding about 10 extra minutes to account for the chilled temperature. The flavors actually develop beautifully during this resting time making it perfect for preparing on Sunday for a Tuesday dinner.

Smart Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. For a lighter version swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt which maintains creaminess while reducing calories and increasing protein. Rice can be replaced with quinoa for added nutrition or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. For those avoiding condensed soups create a homemade white sauce with 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour and 1 cup chicken broth simmered until thickened. The casserole adapts beautifully to whatever your dietary needs might be.

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Serving Suggestions

Transform this humble casserole into a complete meal with thoughtful sides. A crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil provides the perfect acidic contrast to the creamy richness. Warm crusty bread makes an excellent vehicle for scooping up every last bit of sauce. For special occasions consider serving smaller portions as a side alongside a roasted protein. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day especially when packed in a thermos for school or work lunches.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen broccoli for this meal?

Absolutely, frozen broccoli works great. Just steam or blanch it a little before adding it in.

→ What can I replace cream of chicken soup with?

You can swap it with cream of mushroom soup or make your own cream sauce at home.

→ Can I prep this bake ahead of time?

Totally, put it together and refrigerate for a day. Bake it fresh when you're ready to serve.

→ Any low-carb options?

Sure, swap the pasta or rice with cauliflower rice to keep it light.

→ What else can I use for a crunchy topping?

Crushed potato chips, crispy onions, or breadcrumbs work just as well for a great crunch.

→ Can leftovers go in the freezer?

Yes! Let it cool down fully, then divide into airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.