Creamy Farmhouse Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Comfort flows through this creamy chicken and broccoli casserole that combines classic flavors in one delightful dish.

Tender chicken meets fresh broccoli in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Warm, cheesy layers promise a satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort.

Each forkful carries rich, creamy goodness that feels like a warm hug.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions, and this casserole delivers perfectly.

Home cooks will love how quickly this wholesome meal comes together.

Prepare to savor every comforting, cheesy bite of this irresistible casserole.

Serving Suggestions For Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

• Wholesome Family Feast: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that adds freshness and nutrition.
• Quick Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm, buttery garlic bread or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and add a delightful crunch.
• Veggie Side Boost: Add roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or zucchini to complement the broccoli and enhance the overall vegetable intake for a more colorful plate.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the rich, cheesy flavors with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, which will beautifully cut through the creamy texture and elevate the dining experience.

Store Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole For Later

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Properly sealed casserole stays delicious for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen portions remain tasty for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. For larger servings, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese becomes bubbly again.
• Smart Portioning Technique: Divide the casserole into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Label each container with the date and contents to track freshness and make meal planning a breeze.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes In Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that adds heartiness and richness to the casserole, opt for rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base that binds ingredients and provides silky texture, select low-sodium version for better control of salt content.

• Broccoli Florets: Vibrant green vegetable packed with nutrients, choose fresh or frozen with bright color and crisp texture.
• Rice: Soft, fluffy foundation that absorbs flavors, use long-grain white rice or brown rice for added nutrition.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic flavor boosters that create depth, select firm onions and fresh garlic for maximum taste.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that provides creamy richness, grate from block for best melting quality.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty topping that adds crispy texture, choose freshly grated for most authentic flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Crunchy layer that creates golden exterior, use panko for extra crispiness.
• Milk: Smooth liquid that helps create creamy consistency, whole milk recommended for richer texture.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning blend that elevates overall taste profile, use freshly ground black pepper for best results.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat for sautéing aromatics, select extra virgin for robust flavor.

Helpful Tools For Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly and evenly.
• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions and garlic to build delicious flavor.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal size for creating this hearty casserole.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cutting board: Great for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Helps chop onions and prepare vegetables quickly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix and transfer casserole mixture smoothly.

How To Bake Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

• Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350 degrees. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

• Prep Your Green Goodness

Quickly steam or blanch those broccoli florets until they’re bright and just tender. Have your rice ready to roll.

• Wake Up The Flavors

Sizzle some olive oil in a skillet. Toss in chopped onions and dance them around until they turn soft and inviting. Sprinkle in garlic and let it whisper its aromatic magic for a quick moment.

• Mix The Magic

Grab a big bowl and toss in your cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, and those sauteed onions and garlic. Pour in cream of chicken soup and milk. Shower with cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of seasonings. Stir until everything hugs together perfectly.

• Build Your Casserole

Pour the mixture into your prepared dish. Spread it out evenly. If you’re feeling fancy, rain down some Parmesan and breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.

• Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven. Let it bubble and transform for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

• Serve With Love

Let the casserole rest for a quick moment. Dish out this comfort feast and enjoy with a fresh salad or some garlic bread on the side.

Tasty Tips For Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Simply bake when ready to serve, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy, cheesy goodness without excess carbohydrates.
• Protein Power Boost: Experiment with different proteins like turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even plant-based chicken alternatives for varied flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free Transformation: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers to make this dish celiac-friendly.
• Vegetable Variety: Mix in additional vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and add extra texture to the casserole.

Hearty Chicken And Broccoli Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mouthwatering Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole delivers comfort on a plate with creamy sauce and golden-brown edges. Home cooks will appreciate this simple, satisfying meal that combines lean protein and fresh vegetables in one delicious dish.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (280 g) chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups (400 g) white rice (or brown rice), cooked
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
• 2 cups (200 g) broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• ¼ cup (30 g) Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for topping)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and generously lubricate a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
2. Vegetable Preparation: Steam broccoli florets to vibrant tenderness while simultaneously cooking rice according to package instructions, ensuring optimal texture and color.
3. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté chopped onions in olive oil until translucent, then introduce minced garlic for a fleeting moment to release its essence, creating a fragrant base.
4. Flavor Fusion: Combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, steamed broccoli, sautéed aromatics, cream of chicken soup, milk, cheddar cheese, garlic and onion powders, and seasonings into a cohesive mixture that promises depth and complexity.
5. Structural Assembly: Evenly distribute the culinary composition in the prepared baking dish, crowning the surface with a delicate sprinkle of parmesan cheese and crisp breadcrumbs to introduce textural contrast.
6. Thermal Transformation: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts into golden rivers, edges bubble enthusiastically, and the surface achieves a sun-kissed golden-brown hue.
7. Culinary Finale: Allow the casserole a brief resting period to harmonize flavors, then serve with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Prevent Soggy Texture: Steam broccoli briefly to maintain crisp-tender texture and vibrant green color, avoiding overcooking which leads to mushy vegetables.
• Enhance Cheese Melt: Shred cheese freshly instead of using pre-packaged varieties for smoother, more even melting and richer flavor profile.
• Customize Protein Options: Substitute chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based protein alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences and restrictions.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Add extra vegetables like spinach or cauliflower to increase nutrient density and create more complex flavor layers in the casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg