Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a simple and tasty dish you can make quickly. It combines cooked chicken and broccoli with creamy cheese sauce and a crunchy cracker topping. This casserole is filling and perfect for a family dinner or meal prep without much effort.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Chicken Casserole
You’ll appreciate how simple this recipe is to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. The mixture of cooked chicken and broccoli makes it a complete meal packed with protein and vitamins. The creamy sauces add a smooth, cheesy richness, while the buttery Ritz cracker topping provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender casserole beneath. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, making your cooking experience stress-free. Plus, it reheats wonderfully, so leftovers taste just as good the next day.
Ingredients for Broccoli Chicken Casserole
- 3 cups small-diced cooked chicken
- 12 ounces frozen broccoli florets, defrosted
- 10.5 ounces condensed cheddar cheese soup (preferably low sodium)
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (preferably low sodium)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup milk
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided use
- 1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it’s warming up, spray an 11 by 7-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the small-diced cooked chicken with the defrosted broccoli florets. Next, add both the condensed cheddar cheese soup and the cream of chicken soup to the bowl. Stir in the mayonnaise and milk for creaminess. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well until every piece is coated in the creamy sauce.
Transfer this mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top, letting it cover the casserole for a cheesy crust.
For the crunchy topping, place the crushed Ritz crackers in a zippered plastic bag. Pour the melted unsalted butter over the crackers, seal the bag, and shake or toss it until all crumbs are coated with butter. Sprinkle this buttery cracker topping evenly across the casserole.
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping has turned a golden brown. For a final touch, sprinkle dried parsley over the casserole for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
How to Serve Broccoli Chicken Casserole
This casserole shines when served hot and fresh from the oven. It makes a complete meal on its own thanks to the chicken and broccoli, but you can pair it with simple sides to round out your plate. Consider a fresh green salad dressed with lemon or a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole. A side of steamed rice or warm, crusty bread also works well to soak up any extra sauce.
For family dinners, serve individual portions in shallow bowls or on plates. This makes it easy to enjoy all the layers of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy topping in every bite. If you’re taking this casserole to a potluck or gathering, transport it in the baking dish and reheat before serving to keep it warm and delicious.
Expert Tips for Perfect Broccoli Chicken Casserole
To get the best results every time, start with cooked chicken that’s already seasoned lightly. This will add extra flavor without needing much extra salt in the casserole. Using frozen broccoli saves time, but make sure to fully defrost and drain it well to avoid watery casserole.
Choosing low-sodium soups helps control salt levels, especially if you want to add seasoning yourself to taste. When crushing the Ritz crackers, don’t pulverize them completely; a bit of chunkiness in the topping adds great texture contrast.
If you want the topping extra crispy, switch your oven to broil for the last two minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning. For a richer dish, you can add a little garlic powder or onion powder to the casserole mix.
How to Store Broccoli Chicken Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. You can keep the casserole in the fridge for up to three days, making it convenient for quick reheats or next-day meals.
For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe dish or container for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake at 350°F until warmed through. This makes it a great option for meal prep or busy nights when you want a homemade meal with minimal effort.
Variations of Broccoli Chicken Casserole
You can easily customize this casserole to suit your taste or dietary needs. For a lower-carb version, swap the Ritz cracker topping with crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with butter for a crunchy finish. If you prefer a vegetarian take, substitute the chicken with cooked tofu or chickpeas, and use a cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken soup.
To add more veggies, toss in some sliced mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, or cauliflower florets alongside the broccoli. For a spicier kick, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the creamy sauce before baking.
If you want a lighter version, replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese. You can also add a handful of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the mixture for added aroma and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Chicken Casserole
What type of chicken works best in this casserole?
You can use any cooked chicken—rotisserie, grilled, or boiled. Just dice it into small pieces for even mixing.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli can be used. Just steam it lightly before adding to the casserole to ensure it cooks well during baking.
How can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Try substituting dairy-based soups with dairy-free cream soups and use vegan cheese alternatives. Mayonnaise can be replaced with dairy-free versions as well.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to the point before baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warm throughout, about 15-20 minutes, to keep the topping crispy.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes, it freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups small-diced cooked chicken
- 12 ounces frozen broccoli florets (defrosted)
- 10.5 ounces condensed cheddar cheese soup (preferably low sodium)
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (preferably low sodium)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup milk
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (divided use)
- 1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- Dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken with defrosted broccoli, cheddar cheese soup, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and milk. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, then prepare the cracker topping.
- In a zippered plastic bag, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, seal, and shake until coated. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown. Garnish with dried parsley if desired.
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