Creamy Dreamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Easier Than You Think

Deliciously Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole My Creamy Dream

By SandraSeptember 6, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Your New Weeknight Hero

Ever have one of those days where cooking feels like climbing Mount Everest? Then let me introduce you to this Deliciously Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole .

It is so incredibly satisfying. Honestly, it's like a warm hug on a plate.

This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a modern take on the classic comfort food. While its exact origins are a bit hazy, casseroles have been feeding families for generations.

This version is all about keeping things simple and delicious, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and easily serves 6-8 people.

Why You'll Love This Casserole

The best part? It is packed with protein and sneaks in some veggies without any fuss. It is a fantastic way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, or even turkey.

This recipe is special because it captures the essence of comfort food Chicken Broccoli Casserole without demanding hours in the kitchen.

It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The Secret Weapon: Simple Ingredients

Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's talk ingredients. For the chicken and broccoli, you'll need 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken, 2 cups frozen broccoli florets, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.

For the creamy sauce, grab 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups milk, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Finally, for the topping, you'll want 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers and 2 tablespoons melted butter. It’s all stuff you probably already have in your cupboards! So simple, right?

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Deliciously Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Creamy Dreamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Easier Than You Think presentation

Alright, let's get this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole show on the road. First, the ingredients you'll need. Don't worry, it’s all pretty straightforward.

This recipe is more about enjoying the process. Making chicken recipes with broccoli has never been this simple.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Chicken: 2 cups (475 ml) cooked, shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken is clutch! You can shred it straight off the bone. Quality is key, go for RSPCA assured if you can.
Broccoli: 2 cups (approx. 225 g) frozen broccoli florets, thawed. Or fresh broccoli. I always feel like a proper chef when I use fresh stuff.
Cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheddar, divided. Go for a mature cheddar, it melts like a dream. 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan, divided.
Butter: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter. Because everything is better with butter.
Flour: 2 tablespoons (15 g) all-purpose flour.
Milk: 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) milk (2% or whole).
Garlic & Onion Powder: 1/4 teaspoon each. For that subtle background flavour.
Salt & Pepper: To taste.

Seasoning Notes

A bit of garlic and onion powder really wake up the creamy sauce. For a bit of extra punch, add a pinch of nutmeg.

Honestly? It's a game changer. This flavour combination works really well in this Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe . You can sub dried herbs for fresh, use half the amount of dried compared to fresh.

Equipment Needed

9x13 inch baking dish: This is crucial. A smaller dish will bubble over, trust me, I've been there.
Large skillet or saucepan: For making that lovely creamy sauce.
Whisk: To keep the sauce lump free. No one likes lumpy sauce.
Mixing bowl: For combining everything.
Optional: Cheese grater and cutting board

That's it. Told you it was Simple Chicken Broccoli Casserole . Now, go forth and casserole! If you have all the items and ingredients, you'll be making this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake .

Cooking Method

Let's chat about how to make this Creamy Dreamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole (Easier Than You Think!). Honestly, this is one of those simple chicken broccoli casserole dishes that even I can manage after a long day.

No fancy chef skills needed here. The best thing about it is that, you don't need to be Gordon Ramsey in your kitchen to bake this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake .

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place , darling! That means getting all your ingredients ready. It is super important that you have all the ingredients prepped.

It helps avoid mistakes when baking. Shred or dice your rotisserie chicken , thaw the broccoli (if using frozen), and grate those cheeses.

This cuts down on cooking time. It's like having all your knitting needles ready before starting a jumper. Also, make sure your oven is preheating to 375° F ( 190° C) .

Oh my gosh, it always get me when I forget to preheat the oven.

step-by-step: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy

Lightly grease your 9x13 inch baking dish. This prevents the bottom from sticking.
If you are using fresh broccoli, sauté it until it is tender crisp. If you want to use frozen broccoli, skip this step.
Make the magic sauce! Melt 2 tablespoons (30ml) butter, whisk in 2 tablespoons (15g) flour, then gradually add 1 1/2 cups (355ml) milk. Stir until thickened, and season with garlic and onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, and half of the cheddar and parmesan cheeses in the baking dish. Pour the sauce over it.
Top with the remaining cheese and the Ritz cracker topping (crushed crackers mixed with melted butter).
Bake for 20- 25 minutes , or until golden brown and bubbly. Internal temp of the chicken is above 165° F .

Pro Tips: Mum's the Word

Want to elevate your chicken broccoli casserole ? Try toasting the cracker topping! Keep a close eye on it while baking to avoid burning.

Another top tip: don't overcook the broccoli. Nobody likes soggy broccoli! For a Comfort Food Chicken Broccoli Casserole , don't be shy with your seasoning.

Salt and pepper really bring out the flavors. You can also use leftover turkey instead of chicken after Thanksgiving for a different vibe!

Recipe Notes for Your Deliciously Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Right, before you get cracking on this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole , let's have a chinwag about a few things to make sure your casserole turns out spot on.

Cooking should be fun, not stressful. So, here's my two pence!

Serving Like a Pro: Presentation is Key

Honestly, Chicken Broccoli Casserole isn’t the prettiest dish on its own. It is perfect for all ages, kids and adults, and it's a great way to get your picky eaters to enjoy a healthy meal.

Plating it up nicely makes all the difference. A sprig of parsley, a sprinkle of extra cheese, or even just a clean serving spoon goes a long way.

This dish is versatile and allows you to mix and match your ingredients for a perfect meal. On the side, try a light salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Garlic bread is always a winner for soaking up that delicious sauce. Thirsty? A crisp glass of white wine or even an ice-cold beer pairs beautifully.

Storing Like a Champion

Got leftovers? No worries! This Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe keeps well. Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days.

To freeze, let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in foil, and then freeze for up to three months. When reheating, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. You can also microwave it, but it might get a little soggy.

Mix it Up, Buttercup: Variations

Fancy putting your own spin on this Simple Chicken Broccoli Casserole ? Go for it! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce and gluten-free crackers for the topping.

For a low-carb option, ditch the crackers and add some extra cheese! To spice things up in this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake , add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

You could even swap out the broccoli for cauliflower. The possibilities are endless, honestly.

A Little Nutrition Natter

This Chicken Recipes With Broccoli dish isn't just tasty; it's got some good stuff in it too. It's packed with protein from the chicken, fibre from the broccoli, and calcium from the cheese.

Roughly speaking, each serving contains about 350-450 calories , 30-40g of protein , and a decent dose of vitamins. Of course, this is just an estimate, but it's a good starting point.

This Comfort Food Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a winner. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying. Now go on, give it a go and let me know what you think! You've got this!

Easy Comfort Deliciously Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Quick Creamy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Deliciously Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate it. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be starting cold.

Just remember to keep an eye on the cracker topping so it doesn't burn a little tent of foil can help if it starts to get too brown.

What's the best way to store leftovers of this Chicken Broccoli Casserole?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Adding a splash of milk can help revive the creamy texture if it's dried out a bit.

No one wants a dry casserole, eh?

I'm not a fan of Ritz crackers. What can I use instead for the topping?

No worries, mate! You have options. Breadcrumbs (panko or regular) work great, just toss them with the melted butter. Alternatively, crushed potato chips (plain or even cheese flavored for a fun twist!) add a lovely salty crunch. If you're feeling fancy, try some crushed croutons.

The possibilities are endless get creative!

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken for this Deliciously Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole?

Definitely! If you're using fresh chicken, you'll need to cook it first. Poaching, baking, or pan-frying the chicken until cooked through are all good options. Be sure to dice or shred the chicken after it's cooked. Remember, the internal temperature of the cooked chicken should reach 165°F for safe consumption.

Is there a way to make this Deliciously Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole healthier?

You bet! Using skim milk instead of whole milk can reduce the fat content in the sauce. You could also use Greek yogurt in place of some of the milk for added protein and tang. Consider adding some extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to boost the nutritional value.

Finally, you can reduce the amount of cheese slightly without sacrificing too much flavor.

My casserole is coming out watery. What am I doing wrong?

Ah, the dreaded watery casserole! This usually happens if the broccoli wasn't properly drained, especially if you are using frozen broccoli. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the casserole. You might also have used too much milk in the sauce.

Follow the recipe closely, and if the sauce seems thin, let it simmer a little longer to thicken before adding it to the other ingredients. Adding more cheese (especially parmesan) can also help absorb some of the excess moisture.