Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli florets; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated cheese (for topping); 1 1/2 cups chopped, cooked chicken; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp pepper

If you’re looking for a comforting, tasty, and surprisingly simple casserole to whip up any night of the week, you’re going to absolutely adore this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe. I first stumbled on this dish when I needed something quick but hearty for dinner, and it instantly became a go-to. It blends tender chicken and fresh broccoli with a creamy, cheesy sauce that your whole family will fight over—seriously, it’s fan-freaking-tastic. Keep reading because I’m breaking down all the tips and tricks so you can nail this cozy one-dish meal without a hitch.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy and Simple: It takes under 40 minutes from start to finish, making weeknights a breeze.
Comfort Food, Made Healthy: Loads of protein with fresh broccoli but still indulgently creamy and cheesy.
Kid-Approved: My picky eaters ask for this one regularly because it’s cheesy and mild but flavorful.
Easy to Customize: You can add your favorite seasonings or swap cheeses to match what you have on hand.

A white casserole dish filled with a creamy broccoli cheese bake, topped with a golden layer of melted cheese that has browned spots. Inside, chunks of bright green broccoli and creamy light yellow cheese are visible mixed together in a thick sauce. A spoon lifts a portion showing the soft texture of the broccoli and cheese combined under the crispy cheese layer. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe is all about quality simple ingredients coming together to make magic happen. The broccoli adds that fresh, green crunch while the cream cheese and mayo bring creaminess, and cheddar ties everything with rich, melty goodness. Grab fresh broccoli for the best texture, and if you want to make it a real time-saver, rotisserie chicken works like a charm.

Broccoli florets: Fresh is ideal for that bright flavor and perfect texture after steaming, but frozen works if you’re in a pinch.
Cream cheese (softened): Make sure it’s at room temp to blend smoothly and prevent lumps in the casserole.
Mayonnaise: Adds tangy creaminess and helps bind everything nicely—don’t skip this!
Cheddar cheese (grated): Sharp cheddar is my favorite for maximum flavor, but any melty cheese will do.
Garlic powder: An easy way to add depth without chopping garlic; balance with salt and pepper for seasoning.
Sea salt and black pepper: Simple staples to make all the flavors pop.
Cooked chicken (chopped): I like using leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken, which makes this recipe ultra-convenient.
Extra cheddar cheese (for topping): This gives you that irresistible golden bubbly crust on top.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love this recipe because it’s so versatile—you can tweak it based on what you love or have on hand. I often switch up the cheese to add a little smokiness or toss in extra veggies for crunch and color. Don’t be afraid to experiment; the base is forgiving and delicious no matter what you add.

Swap the cheese: I once tried this with mozzarella and pepper jack for a little kick, and it totally changed the vibe—still delicious!
Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives; just watch your bake time to prevent drying out.
Add more veggies: Sometimes I toss in mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a cozy smoky warmth that wakes up the dish.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Broccoli Just Right

Start by steaming your broccoli until just fork-tender—about 2 minutes in boiling water does the trick. I used to overcook it, which made the texture mushy and the color dull. A quick steam keeps the broccoli vibrant and with the perfect slight bite to balance the creamy casserole. After draining, pop it back into the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and mayo until smooth. This combo is the secret to that velvety texture you’ll love. Next, add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring well so every bit is seasoned just right. Fold in your shredded cheddar and cooked chicken, then finally the broccoli. Stir gently but thoroughly—this is where all the flavors start to blend into something amazing.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake to Perfection

Spray your casserole dish with a bit of avocado oil spray or butter—the avocado spray I use helps prevent sticking without any heavy oil taste. Pour in your cheesy chicken broccoli mixture and spread it evenly. Sprinkle that last quarter cup of cheddar cheese on top to get the perfect cheesy crust. Pop the dish in a 375°F oven for 15 minutes, then switch your oven to broil and watch closely for 2-3 minutes until the cheese bubbles and browns just a little. That golden finish? Absolutely worth the wait.

Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Don’t Oversteam Your Broccoli: Keep the broccoli crisp-tender to avoid sogginess in your casserole.
Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends smoother, skipping those lumps.
Use Leftover or Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds extra flavor without drying out the dish.
Watch the Broiling: Broil just until bubbly and golden to keep cheese from burning.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

The image shows a cheesy broccoli casserole in a white rectangular baking dish. The dish has one thick top layer of melted golden brown cheese, with visible green broccoli pieces poking through. The cheese layer looks bubbly with a mix of light and dark orange patches from baking. The broccoli underneath adds texture with small florets spread evenly, contrasting with the gooey, rich cheese on top. The casserole sits on a white marbled surface, with a red and white checkered cloth partially visible at the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to top mine with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives to brighten the rich casserole visually and flavor-wise—plus, it adds a little fresh crunch. Sometimes a quick dusting of crushed red pepper flakes gives a subtle kick if you’re in the mood for a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This casserole is quite hearty, but I love pairing it with a light, crisp salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic green beans. Sometimes, crusty garlic bread makes an indulgent side that my family can’t resist.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I sometimes serve this in individual ramekins to make everyone feel special. It also makes portion control easier! Another fun twist is layering in thin slices of cooked sweet potatoes beneath for a colorful and slightly sweet surprise layer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator, and they’ll happily last for about three days. I usually find the casserole tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld overnight. Just reheat it gently in the oven to keep that lovely texture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this recipe, I recommend assembling but skipping the broiling step. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake from frozen at 375°F, adding extra time as needed, then broil at the end for that perfect crust.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for convenience or pop the dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through. Remove foil and broil a minute if you want to refresh that bubbly golden top—trust me, it feels just like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli in this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well if fresh isn’t available. Just thaw it completely and drain any extra moisture before adding it to the casserole to avoid a watery dish.
What’s the best cheese to use for this casserole?

I prefer sharp cheddar for its bold flavor and great melting quality, but mild cheddar, Colby Jack, or even a blend with mozzarella can work beautifully depending on your taste preference.
Can I make this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?

Yes! This casserole is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly since it’s packed with protein and veggies and uses creamy cheeses. Just avoid adding bread crumbs or high-carb veggies.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Swap out the cream cheese and cheddar for dairy-free alternatives available in most grocery stores. Just keep in mind that dairy-free cheese melts differently, so the texture might vary slightly.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can mix everything and refrigerate it for a few hours, then bake fresh when you’re ready. This is great for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I can’t recommend this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe enough. It’s become my secret weapon for busy nights when I want something satisfying, wholesome, and quick. The balance of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli hits every comfort food note while still feeling a bit healthy—which is a win in my book. If you’re craving cozy, cheesy goodness without the fuss, this recipe will become your new kitchen best friend. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out for you—I bet your family will go crazy for it too!