Roast & Bake

Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

Name: Chicken And Broccoli Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds (680g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) pieces; 3 cups (210g) fresh broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup (250ml) chicken broth; 1/2 cup (120ml) milk; 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

By Rosa Hartwell · June 19, 2026 · Roast & Bake

Prep20 min

Cook35 min

Total55 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made chicken and broccoli casserole for my family. It was a chilly winter evening, and I wanted something comforting and easy to make. This recipe has since become a staple in our household, and I'm excited to share it with you.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious, satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce is a match made in heaven.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making chicken and broccoli casserole from scratch. From preparing the ingredients to assembling and baking the casserole, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly.

So, if you're looking for a hassle-free, family-friendly recipe that's sure to please, keep reading. This chicken and broccoli casserole is a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal effort. The best part? It's ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort.
It's a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The dish is perfect for families, as it's kid-friendly and can be made in large quantities.
The combination of chicken, broccoli, and cheese provides a good balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
The recipe can be customized to suit your tastes, with options to add or substitute different ingredients.
It's a budget-friendly option, as it uses affordable ingredients and can be made in bulk.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great chicken and broccoli casserole is in the layering of flavors and textures. By sautéing the chicken and broccoli in butter before adding the sauce, we create a rich, depth of flavor that's hard to resist. The sauce itself is a combination of chicken broth, milk, and shredded cheese, which provides a creamy, velvety texture that coats the chicken and broccoli perfectly.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of fresh broccoli. By steaming it before adding it to the casserole, we ensure that it retains its crunch and flavor. This is especially important, as overcooked broccoli can be mushy and unappetizing.

Finally, the baking process is crucial in bringing all the flavors together. By baking the casserole in a hot oven, we create a golden-brown crust on top that adds a satisfying crunch to the dish.

Overall, the combination of sautéed chicken and broccoli, a rich and creamy sauce, and a golden-brown crust makes this chicken and broccoli casserole a true showstopper.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious chicken and broccoli casserole, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key players in this recipe are chicken breast or thighs, fresh broccoli, and a combination of cheeses. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as butter, flour, and chicken broth.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose fresh broccoli and high-quality cheese. The type of cheese you use can make a big difference in the flavor of the dish, so feel free to experiment with different varieties.

1 1/2 pounds (680g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) piecesYou can use either chicken breast or thighs for this recipe, depending on your preference. If using thighs, be sure to remove any excess fat before cutting them into pieces.
3 cups (210g) fresh broccoli floretsFresh broccoli is essential for this recipe, as it provides a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor. You can use frozen broccoli as a substitute, but be sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess moisture.
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butterButter is used to sauté the chicken and broccoli, adding a rich and creamy flavor to the dish. You can also use olive oil as a substitute, but butter is preferred for its flavor and texture.
1 medium onion, choppedThe onion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, and can be sautéed with the chicken and broccoli for added depth of flavor.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a fundamental ingredient in many recipes, and is used here to add a pungent flavor to the dish. Be sure to mince it finely to avoid any large chunks.
1 cup (250ml) chicken brothChicken broth is used to create a rich and creamy sauce, and can be made from scratch or used from a store-bought variety. Be sure to choose a low-sodium broth to avoid over-salting the dish.
1/2 cup (120ml) milkMilk is used to add a creamy texture to the sauce, and can be substituted with heavy cream or half-and-half for an even richer flavor.
1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheeseCheddar cheese is a classic choice for this recipe, but you can also use other varieties such as mozzarella or Parmesan. Be sure to choose a high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the dish, and can be sprinkled on top of the casserole before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
1 teaspoon dried thymeThyme is a versatile herb that pairs well with chicken and broccoli, and can be used to add a savory flavor to the dish. Be sure to choose fresh thyme for the best flavor.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are used to season the dish, and can be adjusted to taste. Be sure to use a light hand when seasoning, as the cheese and broth can add a lot of flavor to the dish.

Ingredients for Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté panCutting boardKnifeMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometer9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish

How to Make Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt 1 tablespoon (15g) of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon (15g) of butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
4
Add the broccoli to the skillet and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
In a large bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add the cooked chicken, onion, and broccoli to the bowl and stir until combined.
6
In a separate bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese and dried thyme.
7
Grease a 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Add the chicken and broccoli mixture to the dish and top with the Parmesan cheese mixture.
8
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
9
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
10
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

Expert Tips

Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the chicken or broccoli, as this can make the dish dry and unappetizing.
Choose a high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to add unique flavors to the dish.
Consider making the casserole ahead of time and refrigerating or freezing it for later use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken or broccoli, leading to a dry and unappetizing dish.
Not using fresh broccoli, which can result in a less flavorful and less textured dish.
Not letting the casserole rest before serving, which can cause the flavors to not meld together properly.
Not using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
Using low-quality cheese, which can result in a less flavorful dish.
Not greasing the baking dish properly, which can cause the casserole to stick and be difficult to serve.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or carrots to the skillet with the onion and garlic for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some cooked bacon or ham to the casserole for a smoky and savory flavor.
Use fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to add a bright and refreshing flavor to the dish.
Make the casserole in individual portions for a fun and easy meal.
Use leftover chicken or turkey to make the casserole, which can be a great way to repurpose leftovers.

What to Serve With Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

This chicken and broccoli casserole is perfect for serving with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying and filling meal.

Consider serving the casserole at a family dinner or potluck, as it's easy to make in large quantities and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You can also make it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use, which can be a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Serve with a side of mashed potatoesServe with a simple green saladServe with some crusty bread or crackersServe at a family dinner or potluck

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This chicken and broccoli casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, let the casserole cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing it in the refrigerator.

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to reheat, simply thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator and bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Reheating the casserole is easy and can be done in the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. To reheat in the microwave, cover the casserole with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

It's also important to note that the casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. This can be a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep, as it allows you to prepare the casserole in advance and simply reheat it when you're ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli as a substitute for fresh broccoli. However, be sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess moisture before using it in the recipe.

Can I make the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use?

Yes, you can make the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Simply let it cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing it in the refrigerator or freezer.

How do I reheat the casserole?

You can reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. To reheat in the microwave, cover the casserole with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Can I use different types of cheese in the recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese in the recipe. Some options include mozzarella, feta, or Parmesan cheese. Simply substitute the cheese called for in the recipe with your preferred type and amount.

Is the casserole gluten-free?

The casserole is not gluten-free, as it contains wheat flour in the sauce. However, you can make a gluten-free version of the casserole by substituting the wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free chicken broth.

Can I make the casserole in individual portions?

Yes, you can make the casserole in individual portions. Simply divide the casserole mixture among individual baking dishes and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?

You can check if the chicken is cooked through by using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.

Can I add other ingredients to the casserole?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the casserole to suit your tastes. Some options include diced bell peppers, carrots, or cooked bacon. Simply add the ingredients to the casserole mixture and bake as directed.

The Full Recipe

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