Nothing speaks comfort like a warm, hearty casserole straight out of the oven. The chicken, broccoli, and cheddar casserole combine tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and creamy, melted cheddar in a dish that's both satisfying and delicious. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but the desire for a home-cooked meal is high. Let's dive into how to make this beloved classic that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create a casserole that serves 6:
- Chicken: 2 cups cooked and shredded (great for leftover chicken)
- Broccoli: 2 cups chopped into bite-sized pieces
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded
- Rice: 1 cup uncooked (white or brown for added fiber)
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups
- Milk: 1 cup (whole or 2% for creaminess)
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz), as a base for the sauce
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for sautéing
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Bread Crumbs: ½ cup, for topping (optional for added crunch)
Instructions
Preparing the Casserole:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Ingredients: Heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 18-20 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Steam the Broccoli: Steam the chopped broccoli until just tender, about 3-5 minutes, then set aside. This ensures it doesn’t become too mushy when baked.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, steamed broccoli, shredded chicken, and cream of chicken soup. Add the milk and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and stir everything together until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling and Baking:
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by bread crumbs if using.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to set, making it easier to serve.
Conclusion
This chicken, broccoli, and cheddar casserole is a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that come together to form a comforting meal. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need something filling and warm, offering both convenience and taste in one dish. Serve this casserole with a side salad or a light dessert to round out a family-friendly meal. Whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole promises to satisfy and delight.

Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Casserole combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and melty cheddar in a creamy sauce, baked to golden perfection. It's an easy, comforting dish that's sure to become a family favorite for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, diced chicken
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- ⅓ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Steam broccoli until just tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- If using, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor or use a combination of both.
- Add cooked rice or quinoa to the casserole for extra heartiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of the dish
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
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