Chicken Broccoli Casserole is one of those simple, dependable dinners that always come in clutch.
Mom has been making this cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole for years. While broccoli was not always a favorite, now we love it all, and our kids are learning to love broccoli sooner than we did.
This dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and broccoli, then finished with a buttery breadcrumb topping that bakes up golden and crisp.
What makes this recipe so special is how easy it is to throw together with simple ingredients, especially if you use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. It is perfect for busy weeknights, bringing dinner to a friend, or making ahead when you know the week is going to be hectic.
If you love easy comfort-food casseroles like this, you should also try Chicken Spaghetti, Funeral Potatoes, and Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole.
Why you’ll love it + Why it works:
- Great for leftovers. Using cooked chicken makes it fast and perfect for leftovers or rotisserie chicken.
- Meal prep fav. It is great for meal prep and reheats well for leftovers.
- Foolproof creamy sauce. Cream of chicken soup and mayo make it rich, smooth, and reliably creamy every time.
- Crispy topping every time. Buttered breadcrumbs brown up golden and crunchy, not soggy.
Chicken Broccoli Casserole Ingredients
- Chicken breasts, cooked and diced, or shredded (4): Makes this casserole hearty and filling. Using pre-cooked chicken keeps the recipe quick and easy. Shredded Chicken recipe, Baked Chicken to shred or cut into bite-size pieces, or use a rotisserie chicken
- Frozen broccoli (1 package, 10 to 12 ounces): Adds color, texture, and a veggie boost. Cooking and draining it first helps prevent extra water in the casserole. Or use fresh broccoli florets (cooked first), or use cauliflower florets
- Cream of chicken soup (2 cans, 10.5 ounces each): Creates the creamy sauce base with no extra steps. It adds flavor and helps everything bake up rich and comforting.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): Makes the sauce extra creamy and helps keep the chicken moist. It also adds richness that makes the casserole taste homemade.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens the sauce and balances the richness. It adds a little fresh flavor without making it taste lemony.
- Grated cheddar cheese (½ cup): Adds cheesy flavor and melts into the sauce. It makes the casserole extra comforting and kid-friendly.
- Bread crumbs (⅓ cup): Creates a crunchy topping. They add texture and contrast. Or use French-fried onions or crushed Ritz crackers
- Butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Helps the breadcrumbs brown and crisp up in the oven. It adds a rich, golden finish to the topping.
- optional spices: Adds a bit of a kick by including tabasco or red chili pepper flakes or season with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Casserole
PREP. Preheat oven to 350°F.
LAYER. Cook and drain a 10-12 ounce package of broccoli and put it in the bottom of a 9×13 pan. Layer 4 shredded chicken breasts on top of the broccoli.
SOUP MIXTURE. In a medium bowl, stir 2 cans of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and ½ cup of shredded cheese and mix well. Spread the sauce over the chicken.
TOPPING. Add 2 tablespoons melted butter and ⅓ cup bread crumbs to a Ziploc bag and mix well. Pour over the soup mixture.
BAKE. Bake for 35 minutes or until heated through.
Make in a Crock Pot
Place the raw chicken cubes (or shredded chicken) into the crock pot, add the uncooked frozen broccoli, and top with the soup mixture. Cook on LOW heat for 6-8 hours or HIGH heat for 3-4 hours. Toast the breadcrumbs and butter in a skillet and sprinkle on the casserole before serving.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Drain the broccoli really well so the casserole does not turn watery, extra moisture can thin the sauce.
- Rotisserie chicken works great here and makes prep so fast.
- Spread the sauce evenly all the way to the edges so every serving gets plenty of creamy topping.
- If you want extra crunch, add a little more breadcrumbs or broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and diced, or shredded
- 1 (10-12-ounce) package frozen broccoli
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook and drain broccoli and put it in the bottom of a 9×13 pan.
- Layer chicken pieces on top of the broccoli.
- In a medium bowl combine soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and cheese. Mix well. Spread over the chicken.
- Add melted butter and bread crumbs to a Ziploc bag and mix well. Pour over the soup mixture.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until heated through.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Follow the directions as written, except for adding the bread crumbs. Make sure it is in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and again with aluminum foil, and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, top with breadcrumbs and bake.
Store leftovers in an airtight container(s) in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freezer for 2-3 months.
Complete The Meal
Sides
Instant Pot Brown Rice
35 mins
Wedge Salad
4 hrs 15 mins
How to Cook Rice in a Crock Pot
2 hrs 5 mins
Garlic Bread Recipe
20 mins
Desserts
More Chicken Casseroles
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This recipe was first shared May, 2018.
Delicious and low carb!
Thanks for your comment. I love when a recipe can delicious AND low carb!
Looks delicious
It is! I hope you like it too.
SOUNDS GOOD. CAN YOU USE FRESH BROCCOLI?
Yes, use fresh broccoli, just steam it until crisp tender, cool, and chop before mixing into the filling.
Kristen, your link for https://lilluna.com/chicken-broccoli-alfredo/ is broken!
I reviewed this post trying to find a broken link for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, but didn’t see one. But you can click THIS link and it will take you to the recipe.
I received this idea from Kristens via her newsletter. I was stuck for an easy weekday dinner, So I tried this one since it sounded yummy. It Was!
Thank you lil Luna
I’m happy to hear the newsletter brought you to this recipe and that it was a winner!
Couldn’t make meals this good without you
Ahhhh 😍 I really appreciate you trying my recipes and sharing your positive experience.
I love how versatile this recipe is–can be made in the crockpot… or baked. Your choice of toppings and veggie mix in. Amazing!
We’re looking forward to trying this dish tonight. I can’t believe I’ve never made it.
Hope you enjoy!
I love that this recipe incorporates a healthy vegetable! When it’s enrobed in the savory sauce and other casserole ingredients, I can be confident it will actually get eaten. Can’t wait to make it for my family!