If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleaser dinner, look no further than this delightful Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole. Packed with creamy cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli, it’s a dish that’s both rich in flavor and simplicity—a true staple for any weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: This casserole is irresistibly creamy, thanks to a blend of cheddar and cream cheese.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already!
- Customizable: Easy to modify based on what you have on hand or dietary needs.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love the hearty flavors of chicken and cheese melded together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole, complementing both flavors and textures. Here’s a glance at what you’ll need:
- Butter: Adds a rich base flavor and helps create a creamy sauce.
- Flour: Thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Milk: I use whole milk for a creamier sauce, but feel free to use any kind.
- Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show, lending its sharp, tangy notes.
- Cream Cheese: Adds an extra layer of creaminess to the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
- Smoked Paprika: Offers a gentle smokiness, elevating the taste.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory punch without overpowering.
- Broccoli Florets: Bursting with color and nutrients, they add both texture and freshness.
- Cooked Rice: Serves as the hearty foundation of the casserole.
- Cooked Chicken: Use your preferred choice, be it diced or shredded.
- Buttery Crackers: Such as Ritz, provide a delightful crunchy topping.
- Chopped Parsley: For a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Variations
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole is open to customization, accommodating a variety of ingredients and preferences. Here’s how you can make it your own:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s translucent—about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the flour and let it cook for another minute to eliminate any raw flour taste while coating the onions nicely.
Step 2: Create the Cheese Mixture
Slowly whisk the milk into the pot to form a smooth mixture. As the milk heats, the sauce will thicken, usually in about 4-5 minutes. Add in the cream cheese, most of the cheddar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is well-combined and melted into a silky sauce.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Combine the steamed broccoli, cooked rice, and chicken in a large bowl. Pour over the cheese sauce and mix to make sure every piece is coated. Spread this mix evenly in a greased 9″x13″ baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and crushed crackers. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
- Creamy Sauce Secret: Use full-fat cheeses for the richest sauce possible.
- Shortcut Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great and saves you cooking time!
- Crunchy Topping: Add a slight layer of melted butter to the cracker topping for extra crispiness.
- Broccoli Brightness: Quickly steam or blanch broccoli to retain vibrant color and crunchy texture.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley enhances freshness and adds a splash of bright green. A little squeeze of lemon can also be a surprising touch of acidity to balance the dish’s richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the creamy goodness. A simple green bean or asparagus dish also complements it nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it directly from the baking dish for a rustic, family-style approach, or portion it into individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation at a dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, ensuring it’s piping hot before serving.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well for up to two months. Simply cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and thaw it thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through. If using the microwave, place a damp paper towel over the dish to keep it moist.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
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Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for a day before baking. Add the cracker topping just before baking for maximum crunch.
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What can I do if I don’t have time to cook rice?
Pre-cooked rice packets found in stores are a great time-saver. You can also use leftover rice from a previous meal!
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How can I make it gluten-free?
Swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative, use gluten-free crackers for topping, and ensure the rest of your ingredients, like the rice and chicken, are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Give this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole a try, and you’ll see why it quickly becomes a household favorite. It’s easy, flexible, and oh-so-delicious. Invite friends, share it with family, and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Print
Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken casserole combines tender cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and rice in a rich cheese sauce, topped with crunchy crackers and baked to perfection. It’s a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Base and Filling
1/4 cup butter1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup diced onion
2 1/2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
3 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups lightly steamed or blanched broccoli florets
3 cups cooked rice
3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
Topping
1 cup buttery crackers (such as Ritz), coarsely crushed2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Coat a 9″x13″ baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Aromatics and Make Roux: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in the flour, stirring well to coat the onions; cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Make the Sauce: Gradually whisk the milk into the saucepan, stirring constantly. Continue cooking and stirring for about 4-5 minutes or until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the cream cheese, 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and velvety.
- Combine Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, rice, and chicken. Pour the cheese sauce over this mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar over the top. Distribute the crushed crackers over the cheese layer, then spray lightly with cooking spray to encourage browning.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly, the topping is golden brown, and the cheese has melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Use cooked chicken leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Crushed buttery crackers like Ritz give a classic crunchy topping but can be substituted with other favorite crunchy toppings.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; add a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8 of the casserole)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
