Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

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If you are always on the lookout for tasty dishes that can help you clean out your fridge and make the most of leftovers, this Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a game-changer. It’s made with ingredients you have on hand and is ready in under an hour.

Picture tender chunks of chicken, loads of vibrant broccoli, earthy mushrooms, and the delightful crunch of water chestnuts, coated in a velvety, cheesy, and creamy concoction. And the best part? It’s crowned with a golden-brown layer of crispy croutons. I mean, is your mouth watering yet?

Hearty Casseroles like my Easy Tater Tot Casserole and this Mexican Taco Casserole are always a hit in my house. Likewise, this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole recipe is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make sure you always have the ingredients on hand. 

For families, this broccoli chicken casserole is a hero on weeknights. After a long day, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep and a straightforward cooking process, this recipe allows you to serve up a nutritious dinner without sacrificing precious family time.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in those veggies for the little ones – who can resist the appeal of cheesy broccoli and chicken casserole?

Why make this recipe

• It’s Convenient – This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you want a hassle-free meal. Plus, it’s made with ingredients you already have in your pantry.
• It’s Affordable – With budget-friendly ingredients, this casserole won’t put a dent in your wallet, making it perfect for cost-conscious cooks.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the creamy, cheesy goodness of this casserole, making it a hit with the whole family.

Ingredient Notes

• Broccoli Florets – Broccoli is a star ingredient, adding a vibrant green color and nutrition to the casserole. You can use fresh or defrosted frozen broccoli, depending on what’s available or convenient.
• Mushrooms – Canned mushrooms don’t just provide convenience, they also add an earthy flavor and textural contrast. If you prefer, you can substitute with fresh mushrooms, sliced and sautéed until tender.
• Chicken – Use cooked chicken, whether cubed or shredded. Boiling chicken tenders is easy and convenient. Rotisserie chicken is a great option for convenience. You can also use turkey or another cooked poultry as a substitution.
• Water Chestnuts – Water chestnuts add a delightful crunch. You can substitute with sliced bamboo shoots for a similar texture.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Shredded cheddar cheese provides a rich, cheesy flavor. You can choose another type of cheese like Monterey Jack or Swiss if you prefer.
• Cream Soup – Condensed soup, such as cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup, is the creamy base of the casserole. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider using low-sodium or reduced-fat soup.
• Mayonnaise – Mayonnaise adds creaminess and a slight tang to the dish. You can substitute with sour cream or use a lighter mayo or Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
• Lemon Juice – Lemon juice adds a zesty, fresh flavor. You can use fresh lemon juice or bottled lemon juice for convenience.
• Curry Powder – Curry powder imparts a subtle hint of spice and complexity to the casserole. Adjust the quantity to your spice preference or omit it if you’re not a fan of curry flavors.
• Croutons – Croutons provide a crunchy, golden topping. You can choose plain or seasoned croutons, or make your own by toasting cubed bread with a drizzle of olive oil and your preferred seasoning.

How To Make Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Making casseroles is a great way to save time and money. Check out these casseroles for more flavorful ideas your family will love. 

Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.

Expert Tips

• You can easily use leftover chicken.
• Boil the chicken breasts until cooked through. Shred or chop the chicken and add it to the recipe.
• Grab a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from your local market. Remove the skin and pick the chicken off the bones. Chop or shred before adding to the recipe. 
• Mayonnaise is not a common casserole ingredient, but the combination of the mayo, cream soup, lemon juice, and curry creates a delectable sauce that makes this recipe oh-so-tasty.
• If you are using frozen broccoli (which is totally okay!), be sure to defrost it completely and then drain any excess water before adding to the casserole mixture. 
• If using fresh broccoli, I recommend steaming it before adding to the casserole so that the pieces are nice and tender. 
• While it’s tempting to load up on cheese and croutons, avoid overdoing it. A light layer of croutons on top is enough to create a crispy texture without overwhelming the dish.
• Cover the casserole with aluminum foil during the first part of baking to prevent the top from getting too brown too soon. Remove the foil during the last part of baking to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.
• After removing the casserole from the oven, allow it to rest for a few minutes. This lets the flavors meld and makes it easier to cut and serve.

Delicious Variations

• Vegetarian Version – Leave out the chicken for a vegetarian version. You can sub in additional veggies or tofu if desired.
• Cream Soup – Any flavor will do! I have made this with cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, and even cream of broccoli soup. The flavors are slightly different with each, but still SO yummy!
• Swap the Cheese – Cheddar cheese is classic in this dish, but you could substitute white cheddar, Colby, or a Monterey Jack blend. 
• Swap the Croutons – Croutons add a layer of crunch to this recipe. If you don’t have croutons on hand, you can cube up some toasted bread and toss it with a bit of melted butter before topping the casserole. Swapping in crushed crackers or potato chips will totally work too. Get creative!

Prep and Storage

• Prep – This broccoli chicken casserole is perfect for family gatherings, and making it in advance will give you more time to spend with your family.  Although this casserole is easy to prepare, you can prep the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in your refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.
• Store – Place leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze – Casseroles are so easy to freeze and this one is no exception! I like to make a double batch and then freeze one casserole for even easier meal prep in the future. For smaller families, you can divide this casserole recipe in two and freeze half for another meal.
• Reheat – Reheat large portions in the oven until warmed through. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave. 

FAQs

Similar Recipes

Check out all my Casserole Recipes or start with the selection below.

• Tater Tot Casserole.
• Corn Pudding Casserole.
• Southern Squash Casserole.
• Fish Casserole.

Serve With

Here are a few things you can pair with this Broccoli Chicken Casserole to make a complete meal. 

• Homemade Easy Yeast Rolls.
• Green Bean Casserole Recipe.
• Smashed Brussels Sprouts.
• Instant Pot Brown Rice.
• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes.
• Corn Tortillas.

Recommended Tools

• An awesome can opener to open cans easily at the push of a button.
• I love a large casserole dish, but I also like to pick up some disposable ones so I can easily freeze casseroles for later.
• A set of handy measuring cups and spoons is a must for any kitchen.
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 6 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Thank you for reading my chicken and broccoli casserole recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

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