Million Dollar Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Easy Comfort Food

By SandraSeptember 14, 2025

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4.33 (9 Ratings)

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook to get you hooked

Ever find yourself staring blankly into the fridge, thinking, "What the heck am I going to make?". Honestly, me too! But, fear not, because I've got just the ticket.

This million dollar chicken casserole is about to become your new best mate in the kitchen! It's a creamy, cheesy, chicken and broccoli dream, perfect for a weeknight chicken dinner .

Brief Overview of this classic

This dish is basically posh nosh comfort food at its finest. Its origins have a similarity to Chicken Divan Casserole , it's a culinary hug in a baking dish.

It's an easy peasy recipe, ready in under an hour, and serves around 6-8 hungry souls. So, if you need a make-ahead chicken casserole recipe, look no further!

Why this casserole is the bees knees

One of the best things about this million dollar chicken casserole is how adaptable it is. It’s packed with protein and sneaking in some extra broccoli florets.

Plus, it's the perfect excuse to gather your mates around the table for some proper comfort food casserole . It's special because it's simple, delicious, and always a crowd pleaser.

Now, let's get down to brass tacks and dive into the ingredients!

Alright, let's get cracking on this million dollar chicken casserole ! Honestly, the name makes it sound way fancier than it is.

We're basically talking Chicken Divan vibes, maybe with a touch more pizzazz. Ready to see what we need?

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!

Million Dollar Chicken Broccoli Casserole presentation

Before we begin this creamy chicken casserole journey, let's gather our tools. No need to stress; this is meant to be easy, not a culinary obstacle course.

You know, a simple weeknight chicken dinner .

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Let's talk chicken and all its friends! We're building a flavor castle, brick by brick.

Chicken: 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Quality is key! Look for plump, pink breasts. A quick shortcut? Grab a rotisserie chicken.
Broccoli: 1 lb (450g) fresh florets or 1 (10 oz / 283g) package frozen. I prefer fresh, but frozen is your friend on busy days.
Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) .
Flour: 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose.
Milk: 3 cups (710ml) . Whole or 2% works.
Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (113g) .
Sour Cream: 1/2 cup (113g) or plain Greek yogurt (sneaky healthy swap!).
Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (115g) shredded, divided.
Ritz Crackers: 1 1/2 cups crushed (about 60 crackers).
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoon (7.5ml) .
Black Pepper: 3/4 teaspoon (3.75ml) .
Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) optional.

I remember one time when I tried to rush this part. I ended up using way too much broccoli. It tasted fine, but my chicken and broccoli casserole recipe was basically a broccoli mountain with a hint of chicken.

Don't be like me!

Seasoning Notes: A Pinch of Magic

Spices are like a warm hug in a dish. Don't be shy!

The Classic Combo: Salt and pepper are essential, duh.
Flavor Enhancer: Nutmeg adds a warm, comforting touch to the creamy sauce. Trust me .
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes is amazing for a bit of heat.
Substitutions: If you’re out of sour cream, Greek yogurt works a treat.

The right spices really bring out the best in this comfort food casserole . I've experimented with different herbs before. A little dried thyme is lovely !

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Buttercup!

No fancy gadgets needed for this one. It's an easy chicken casserole !

Large Skillet/Pot: For cooking the chicken.
Steamer Basket: If using fresh broccoli.
9x13 inch (23x33cm) Baking Dish: The stage for our masterpiece.
Mixing Bowls: A couple, for combining ingredients.
Whisk: For the sauce.

Don't have a steamer basket? No worries! Just boil the broccoli for a few minutes. This make-ahead chicken casserole can be as easy or involved as you want it to be.

Get creative!. This chicken casserole with cheddar cheese is going to be fantastic.

Cooking Method: Nail Your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole!

Fancy making a Million Dollar Chicken Casserole? Sounds posh, right? Honestly, it's easier than you think! I am going to show you how! It’s basically a jazzed-up Chicken Divan casserole .

Think creamy, dreamy comfort food. Let’s get started!

Prep Like a Pro!

First things first, get organized. It's all about that essential mise en place . Chop your cooked chicken, steam your broccoli, and measure out all your sauce ingredients.

Honestly, prepped ingredients are your best friends. You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a real time saver , which cuts down prep time! Brilliant move.

A simple organization is KEY.

Safety first! Be careful when handling hot pots and pans. Always use oven mitts.

Let's Bake: step-by-step

Here's the lowdown on making this amazing Ritz cracker chicken casserole :

Chicken Time : Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté them until cooked through. 165° F ( 74° C) is your magic number. Then shred or cube it.
Broccoli Power : Steam or thaw your broccoli until it's tender crisp. No mushy broccoli, please!
Sauce Boss : Melt 1/2 cup butter. Whisk in 1/2 cup flour. Cook for 1- 2 minutes . Slowly add 3 cups milk. Simmer until thick, about 5- 7 minutes .
Creamy Goodness : Take the sauce off the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup mayo, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 3/4 cup cheddar.
Casserole Assembly : Mix chicken, broccoli, and sauce in a bowl. Make sure the sauce covers everything.
Transfer to Dish : Pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Cracker Magic : Mix crushed crackers with 6 tablespoons melted butter.
Top and Bake : Sprinkle crackers and remaining cheese on top. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 30- 35 minutes .

Pro Tips to Elevate Your Casserole

Want a shortcut? I have good news. Use rotisserie chicken to save time! Also, be careful not to overcook the broccoli. It's a common mistake!

Want to make this ahead? Assemble everything, but don't bake it. Keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours .

You might need to add 5- 10 minutes to the baking time.

I've got to be frank. Easy chicken casserole like this one, tastes even better the next day! Perfect for meal prep or if you want a weeknight chicken dinner ready to go.

Oh my gosh, this Million Dollar Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a winner! Enjoy!

Alright, so you’ve decided to dive into the wonderful world of million dollar chicken casserole . Ace choice! Before you get cracking, let’s chat about some essential recipe notes that'll help you nail this dish.

I’m serious, this is crucial stuff! It all makes the difference between a good dish and a great Chicken Divan casserole, you know?

Recipe Notes: Your Casserole Cheat Sheet

I've been cooking this easy chicken casserole for years, and these tips have saved my bacon more than once. Trust me, you'll thank me later!

Serving Suggestions: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Right, so you've got your bubbling hot million dollar chicken casserole . Now what? Presentation is key, my friend!

Plating is Paramount: Serve a generous scoop on a plate. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheddar. A little effort goes a long way! I tell you, a fresh garnish elevates a simple dish.
Sidekicks: A crisp green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness. Some crusty bread is also a must to mop up all that delicious sauce! A glass of chilled Chardonnay? Don’t mind if I do!

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Got leftovers? You lucky devil! Here's how to keep your creamy chicken casserole tasting fab.

Refrigeration Royalty: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Honestly, it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing Frenzy: You can freeze this make-ahead chicken casserole ! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Ritual: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole casserole in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Add a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Fancy putting your own spin on this Ritz cracker chicken casserole ? Why not? Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:

gluten-free Goodness: Use gluten-free Ritz crackers and gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. My mate Sarah is coeliac and she loved this tweak!
Broccoli Bonanza: Not a fan of broccoli? (I know, crazy talk!). You can try with Cauliflower, or even a mix of green beans and peas. Also, it can easily become an irresistible chicken and broccoli casserole recipe!

Nutrition Basics: Food For Thought

Alright, let's be honest, this isn't exactly health food. But hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone! It's definitely a comfort food casserole

A Little Bit of Everything: This chicken casserole with cheddar cheese has protein, carbs, and fats.
Broccoli Boost: The broccoli adds some vitamins and fiber. It also makes you feel a bit less guilty!

So there you have it! All the secrets to making the perfect million dollar chicken casserole . Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun.

And remember, the most important ingredient is love! Now get cooking, you culinary genius!

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Ultimate Comfort Dish

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the million dollar chicken casserole ahead of time? I'm juggling like a clown these days!

Absolutely! You can assemble the million dollar chicken casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through, especially if it's straight from the fridge.

Consider it your secret weapon for stress free entertaining!

What's the best way to store leftovers of this chicken casserole? I don't want it going off like a dodgy kebab!

Leftover million dollar chicken casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. A bit of moisture might separate, but it'll still taste smashing!

My sauce is a bit lumpy! How can I get it smooth like a Barry White song?

Lumpy sauce is a common kitchen woe, but easily fixed! If you're making the sauce from scratch, whisk the flour into the melted butter and cook for a minute or two to create a roux before adding the milk gradually, whisking constantly.

If lumps still appear, try using an immersion blender to smooth it out, or strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve. It'll be silky smooth in no time.

Can I use different vegetables instead of broccoli in this million dollar chicken casserole? I'm not the biggest fan of the green stuff.

Of course, variety is the spice of life! You can absolutely swap out the broccoli for other vegetables. Cauliflower, green beans, asparagus, or even a mix of peas and carrots would work beautifully. Just make sure they're cooked until tender crisp before adding them to the casserole.

Is there a way to make this healthier? It sounds delicious, but also a bit naughty!

You can definitely lighten up this million dollar chicken casserole! Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise, or use a light mayonnaise. Opt for reduced fat cheese, and increase the amount of broccoli while slightly reducing the sauce.

Using whole wheat Ritz crackers for the topping will also add some fibre. Every little helps!

Help! I don't have Ritz crackers what can I use for the topping?

No worries, plenty of substitutes will work a treat! Try using crushed saltines, breadcrumbs (panko or regular), or even crushed potato chips for a bit of a twist. Mix them with the melted butter as you would the Ritz crackers. The key is to create a crispy, golden topping to complement the creamy filling. Sorted!