Chicken broccoli casserole is a classic comfort food that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to perfection. It’s a hearty, wholesome dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. If you’ve been wondering how to make chicken broccoli casserole that’s flavorful, easy, and satisfying, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide with tips to help you create this delicious casserole from scratch.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Here’s a list of the basic ingredients you’ll need to make a classic chicken broccoli casserole:
– Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and chopped or shredded
– Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets (steamed or boiled until crisp-tender)
– Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a favorite, but you can also use mozzarella or a blend
– Sauce base: Heavy cream or cream cheese combined with chicken broth for a rich, creamy texture
– Seasonings: Garlic, onion powder, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or basil
– Thickener: Cornstarch or flour to help thicken the sauce
– Optional toppings: Bread crumbs, crushed crackers, or extra cheese for a golden, crunchy finish
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Broccoli Casserole
1. Prepare Your Chicken and Broccoli
Start by cooking your chicken. You can poach, bake, or pan-sear the chicken breasts until fully cooked, then chop or shred them into bite-sized pieces. For broccoli, steam or boil the florets until they are tender but still crisp — about 3 to 4 minutes — then drain and cool to stop the cooking process. This keeps the broccoli vibrant and prevents it from getting mushy in the casserole.
2. Sauté Vegetables (Optional)
Some recipes call for sautéing mushrooms, garlic, and broccoli briefly in olive oil with seasonings like salt, pepper, basil, and oregano to add extra flavor before layering them in the casserole. This step is optional but highly recommended for deeper flavor.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a skillet, combine chicken broth and heavy cream or cream cheese, then add seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little broth) to thicken the sauce gently over medium heat until it coats the back of a spoon. For a tangy twist, you can add a bit of Dijon mustard.
4. Assemble the Casserole
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the cooked chicken and broccoli evenly. Pour the creamy sauce over the top, making sure everything is well coated. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. For added texture, you can sprinkle crushed crackers, bread crumbs, or even Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter over the cheese.
5. Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli Casserole
– Use fresh broccoli for the best texture and flavor. Steaming instead of boiling helps keep it firm and vibrant.
– Cook chicken thoroughly before assembling. Slow cooker chicken can be very tender and flavorful, or you can pan-sear for a nice browned texture.
– Avoid shredded chicken if you prefer texture; tearing the chicken into chunks creates a more satisfying bite and prevents mushiness.
– Make your own sauce instead of using canned soups for a fresher, less processed dish. Heavy cream, broth, and real cheese create a luscious sauce without additives.
– Add herbs and spices like thyme, basil, garlic, and Dijon mustard to elevate the flavor profile beyond the basics.
– Try a crunchy topping like crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a delightful contrast to the creamy casserole.
Variations to Try
– Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: Add cooked rice to the mix for a heartier dish that stretches further.
– Low-carb or Keto version: Use cream cheese and mozzarella, skip the bread crumbs, and keep it simple with chicken and broccoli.
– Add mushrooms or other veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, onions, or even bell peppers can add extra flavor and nutrition.
– Spice it up: Add curry powder or cumin for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
Chicken broccoli casserole is a versatile, comforting dish that’s easy to customize to your taste and dietary preferences. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a creamy, cheesy meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this casserole is sure to become a favorite.
Enjoy your cooking and the delicious results!