Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole with Cheese Topping

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a warm, cheesy casserole straight from the oven. This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole is the perfect meal for a cozy family dinner, filled with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a velvety cheese sauce. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds an extra layer of flavor and texture, making it irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Busy Weeknights: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish comes together quickly and is ideal for a busy weeknight meal.
Comforting and Delicious: Creamy, cheesy, and full of wholesome ingredients, this casserole is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
A Complete Meal: With protein-packed chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and a cheesy topping, this dish serves as a full meal in one pan.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or use frozen broccoli, thawed and drained)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar cheese for extra flavor)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best for extra crispiness)
2 tablespoons melted butter
Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
If you’re using fresh broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for about 2 minutes, just until they’re vibrant green. Drain and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This ensures the broccoli stays crisp and bright. If using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s completely thawed and drained.
Set the broccoli aside while you prepare the rest of the casserole.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth.
Add the minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to the mixture. Stir everything together to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary. The sauce should have a rich, creamy flavor that complements the chicken and broccoli.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Layer the blanched broccoli evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken on top of the broccoli.
Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, making sure all the pieces are well coated.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella (or cheddar) cheese over the top, covering the entire casserole. This layer will give the dish that beautiful golden, bubbly finish when baked.

4. Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese and melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer on the casserole. This will add a crispy, golden-brown topping once baked.

5. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges. The breadcrumb topping should be crispy and browned.
If you prefer an extra crispy topping, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
Garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad.

Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Cooked Chicken: You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even grilled chicken for this recipe. If you’re in a pinch, you can quickly cook chicken breasts in a skillet before assembling the casserole.
Broccoli Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can easily swap it out for other vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, or even spinach. Just make sure to blanch or cook the vegetables beforehand to avoid a watery casserole.
Cheese Choices: While mozzarella provides a milder, creamy flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack would also work well in this recipe.

Variations

Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb version, skip the breadcrumbs and add extra cheese for an ultra-creamy, cheesy top layer.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce for a spicy twist.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely if you’re following a gluten-free diet. The casserole will still be delicious without the crispy topping!

Storing and Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This casserole is perfect for meal prep, so feel free to make it ahead of time.
Reheating: To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Perfect Side Dishes

While this casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, pairing it with simple sides can elevate the dinner experience. Here are some ideas:

Garlic Bread: Serve this casserole with a side of crispy garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make the perfect side dish for a cozy, comforting dinner.
Caesar Salad: A light and refreshing Caesar salad provides a crisp contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole with a golden, cheesy topping is the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or when you’re craving something cozy and satisfying. Best of all, it’s customizable and easy to make with pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Enjoy every bite of this delicious dish!