Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
This easy homemade cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole is a comforting classic that every American home cook will love. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce baked to perfection, it’s a wholesome dinner that’s both practical and delicious. Ready in under 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or simple family dinners.
Discover this easy homemade cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights—creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor!
- Big payoff, low effort: You get rich, familiar flavors without complicated preparation.
- Weeknight- and guest-worthy: Perfect for family dinners or when entertaining.
- Made with real-life pantry staples: Simple ingredients mean minimal shopping trips.
- Easy to customize: Swap ingredients to match your preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients for Easy Homemade Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole - Ingredients
How to Make Easy Homemade Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole - Final Result
Easy Homemade Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Discover this easy homemade cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights—creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup white rice, cooked
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Optional Toppings
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs for crunch
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Steam the broccoli florets just until bright green and slightly tender, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Mix the Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the casserole mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top.
- Add Crunch (Optional): Sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs evenly over the top if you want a crispy topping.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. The cheese should be melted with slightly crispy edges.
- Rest & Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Pro tip: Use leftover cooked chicken for an easy shortcut and added flavor.
- Substitution: Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup or homemade white sauce for a different twist.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.