Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Casserole

Introduction

Growing up, Sundays were always special in our house. That’s when my mom would make her famous chicken and broccoli casserole. The aroma of melted cheese and savory chicken would fill the kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. Now, as a busy parent, I’ve perfected this recipe to be quick, easy, and just as comforting. This Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Casserole is more than a meal, it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for bringing the family together on a hectic weeknight or a cozy weekend. With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheddar cheese, this dish is a symphony of flavors and textures. Get ready to fall in love with every bite!

Perfect For

This casserole is perfect for:

Busy parents looking for a quick, hearty meal
Families who love comfort food
Anyone craving a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a dish to impress your guests, or a comforting meal to enjoy on a rainy day, this casserole is your go-to recipe. It’s also great for meal prep—just make it ahead and reheat when you’re ready to eat. Planning a potluck? This dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to transport and reheat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s:

Easy to make: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep, it’s perfect for busy days.
Comforting and delicious: The combination of tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and gooey cheddar is like a warm hug in a bowl.
Versatile: It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy night in.

Plus, it’s guaranteed to please the whole family—kids and adults alike! The creamy, cheesy sauce ties everything together beautifully, and the golden bread crumb topping adds a satisfying crunch. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

3 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups cooked chopped broccoli
2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
Ground black pepper to taste
2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups bread crumb
1/4 cup salted butter, melted

Ingredient Highlights

Broccoli: A superfood packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, broccoli adds a crunchy texture and a pop of color. It’s a great way to sneak some greens into your meal!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and tangy, cheddar melts beautifully, creating a rich, creamy layer that ties the dish together. It’s the star of the show, adding that irresistible cheesy goodness.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This acts as a flavorful base, adding depth and creaminess to the casserole. It’s a pantry staple that makes this dish quick and easy to prepare.

These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both nutritious and indulgent. It’s comfort food with a healthy twist!

Preparation Time, Cooking Time, Total Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and the cheese melts to perfection.
Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, black pepper, and 1 cup of Cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined. This is where the magic begins—the creamy, cheesy mixture is irresistible!
Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish. Smooth it out evenly, then top with the remaining 1 1/2 cups of Cheddar cheese. The extra cheese on top creates a gooey, golden layer that’s pure comfort.
Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the bread crumb and melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer. This adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the bread crumb topping is lightly browned. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll know it’s time to dig in!

Table of Calories

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	474
Fat	30g
Carbohydrates	22g
Protein	29g
Saturated Fat	16g
Cholesterol	104mg
Sodium	944mg
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	2g
Vitamin C	12mg
Calcium	335mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	280mg

How to Serve

Serve this casserole hot, straight from the oven, with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. The bread is perfect for sopping up the creamy sauce, while the salad adds a refreshing contrast. It’s also great on its own—just grab a fork and dig in! For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.

Additional Tips

Save time: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for a quick shortcut. It’s a great way to repurpose leftovers!
Prep ahead: Steam the broccoli in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the casserole. You can also mix the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it—just add the topping and bake when you’re ready.
Lighten it up: For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat Cheddar cheese. You’ll still get all the flavor with fewer calories.
Add extra flavor: Sprinkle in some garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.

Recipe Variations

Vegetable Swap: Substitute broccoli with cauliflower, bell peppers, or a mix of your favorite veggies. Zucchini or carrots would also work well.
Cheese Options: Try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Mix and match to find your favorite combination!
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumb or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping. You can also use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Low-Carb: Skip the bread crumb topping and add an extra layer of cheese for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.

Special Equipment

You’ll need:

A 2-quart casserole dish
Mixing bowls
A small bowl for the bread crumb topping
An oven

No fancy gadgets required—just the basics you probably already have in your kitchen!

This Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Casserole is like a warm hug on a cold day. The aroma of this dish baking in the oven will transport you back to your childhood kitchen, where family meals were filled with love and laughter. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, whether you’re sharing it with your kids, your partner, or a group of friends. So, go ahead, give it a try and let this casserole become a staple in your home. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below, I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!