This Chicken and Broccoli Bake is a tried and true recipe that our family has used for years and years. The creamy cheese sauce mixed with delicious chunks of chicken and broccoli  topped with buttery bread crumbs make it the perfect comfort food!

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Chicken and  Broccoli  Casserole is a comfort food classic and one of our go-to casserole dishes that the entire family loves. I tend to make it more in the cooler months but I recently started baking it in my smoker- instead of our oven- and have found I prefer doing it that way because it keeps the house from heating up in the summer time! So now, it’s a recipe that we enjoy year round!

What kind of chicken should I use?

There are several ways you can prepare the chicken for this casserole. And to be honest- I’ve used all different methods but our family definitely prefers grilled chicken the best.

If you don’t have the time or ability to grill a few chicken breasts you can always use canned chicken,  pre-cooked chicken strips, a Rotisserie Chicken or you can boil your chicken breasts and call it good.

Can I use Panko instead of breadcrumbs?

We go back and forth using Panko and bread crumbs- it really depends on what we have on hand. If I had to choose- I’d pick breadcrumbs over Panko but it still turns out and gives it the same crumbly texture as bread crumbs. 

I always add Parmesan Cheese on top, too. But if you don’t have that you can always omit it and it will still turn out delicious.

What can I used instead of Mayonnaise?

If you aren’t a fan of mayo then there are a few substitutions  you can use.

Greek Yogurt is a great alternative as is sour cream. If you are worried about the fat content try using low-fat or fat-free versions of  the yogurt, sour cream or mayo.

You won’t want to leave it out all together because it really helps give this casserole that creamy base that makes it delicious and comforting. 

Ingredients

• 4 Chicken Breasts
• 2 lbs Fresh Broccoli (slightly steamed)
• 1 can cream of chicken
• 1/2 C Whole Milk
• 1/2 C Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt
• 1.5 C Grated Cheddar Cheese
• 1 C Grated Parmesan
• 2.5 tsp Lemon Juice
• 1/2 C Panko Bread Crumbs or Parmesan (for topping)

Substitutions

1. Instead of fresh, steamed broccoli you can use frozen broccoli florets.
2. If you don’t have cream of chicken soup you can sub it for cream of mushroom or cream of vegetable
3. Half and Half or Heavy Cream will make this dish extra creamy (and more rich) so try using that instead of milk if you would like
4. I always use fresh lemon but you can use squeeze lemon, too

Instructions

Grilled Chicken:

1. Preheat grill to a High setting
2. Salt and Pepper chicken breasts generously
3. Place on grill and cook until 165° internal temperature (be sure to use your meat thermometer) then cube into 1/2” pieces
4. If you are not grilling your chicken you can skip the steps above and chop whatever chicken you will be using into 1\2″ pieces and continue to make the casserole as follows:

Casserole

1. If you grilled your chicken then decrease the grill temperature to 350° OR preheat your oven to 350° at this time
2. In a casserole dish, arrange  broccoli around outside edge and place chicken in the center
3. Combine all other ingredients in a large bowl and pour over chicken and broccoli
4. Top with 1 C crumbs or Parmesan
5. Cover with Foil and Place back on grill or in oven
6. Bake for 30-45 minutes then remove foil and cook for another 15 minutes or until top is golden brown.
7. Serve over rice or eat alone.

Recipe card

What do you serve with Chicken and Broccoli Casserole?

This delicious casserole dish is often served on top of rice. You can use white, brown, Jasmin, or even cauliflower rice.  Because this dish incorporates a veggie and a protein and grain (if you serve with rice) consider serving it with fruit, a light salad, or even garlic bread or rolls. You won’t need too many extra side dishes to make this dish complete.

How long does Chicken and Broccoli Casserole stay good for in the fridge?

You can store your leftovers right in your baking dish. Cover it with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to a tupperware container. The casserole should stay good for 3-5 days in your fridge.

We don’t recommend freezing leftovers because once thawed it will turn out really mushy and watery.

How do you reheat leftovers?

To reheat in the oven:

Place the baking dish with leftovers in it in a warmed oven, cover with foil. Bake for 25 or until warmed through

To reaheat in the microwave:

Place leftovers on a microwave safe plate or dish and heat for 3 minutes, stirring every minute until warmed through. It might take more or less time depending on your microwave setting.

Related Recipes

• Smoked Butter Chicken
• Smoked Chicken Wings
• One Pot Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
• Quick and Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Our Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a loved recipe that our family has used for many years.  It consists of a creamy cheese sauce mixed with savory chunks of chicken and fresh broccoli  topped with buttery bread crumbs that everyone will love!