Why You’ll Love This Casserole
This recipe is:
- Super creamy and cheesy
- High-protein and filling
- Easy weeknight dinner
- Great for meal prep
- One-pan comfort food
- Kid-approved
And honestly… it tastes even better the next day.
That sauce soaks into everything. Magic.
Ingredients
Main
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups cooked pasta OR rice
Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional but extra rich)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt & black pepper
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar
- ½ cup parmesan
Topping (optional but amazing)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Fresh parsley or chives
Step 1 – Prep Everything First
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Cook pasta or rice.
Steam or blanch broccoli for 2–3 minutes (just slightly tender, not mushy).
Cook or shred your chicken.
Having everything ready makes assembly super fast.
Step 2 – Make the Creamy Sauce
In a pan:
Melt butter → add flour → whisk 1 minute
This creates a roux (thickener).
Slowly pour in milk + broth while whisking.
Cook until thick and creamy.
Then add:
- Cream
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Simmer 2–3 minutes.
Now stir in 1 cup cheese until melted.
Boom.
You just made homemade cheese sauce 😋
Way better than canned stuff.
Step 3 – Combine Everything
In a big bowl:
Add:
- Pasta/rice
- Chicken
- Broccoli
- Sauce
Mix gently until coated.
It should look creamy and loaded.
If it looks too thick, add a splash of milk.
Step 4 – Assemble
Pour mixture into greased baking dish.
Top with:
- Remaining cheese
- Breadcrumbs mixed with butter
That topping gives you crispy + cheesy combo. So good.
Step 5 – Bake
Bake for:
20–25 minutes
Until:
- Cheese melted
- Top golden brown
- Edges bubbling
Optional:
Broil 2–3 minutes for extra crispy top.
Smells insane at this point. Warning 😄
Step 6 – Rest & Serve
Let sit 5–10 minutes before serving.
This helps sauce thicken and set.
Sprinkle parsley or chives.
Serve warm and creamy.
Enjoy the cheesy stretch 😍
Texture & Flavor
Imagine this:
Soft pasta
Juicy chicken
Tender broccoli
Creamy cheesy sauce
Golden crunchy top
Every bite is rich, savory, and comforting.
It’s basically a hug in food form.
Pro Tips
Don’t Overcook Broccoli
Slightly firm is perfect. It cooks more in oven.
Use Rotisserie Chicken
Huge time saver
Grate Your Own Cheese
Melts better than pre-shredded
Season Well
Cheese needs salt to shine
Let Rest Before Serving
Sauce thickens beautifully
Easy Variations
Low Carb
Replace pasta with cauliflower rice
Spicy
Add chili flakes or hot sauce
Extra Veggies
Add mushrooms, carrots, spinach
Bacon Lovers
Add crispy bacon bits
Mexican Style
Add taco seasoning + pepper jack cheese
Alfredo Style
Use Alfredo sauce instead
So many options. Same comfort vibes.
What to Serve With
Honestly it’s a full meal, but you can add:
Garlic bread
Side salad
Roasted veggies
Soup
Or just a big spoon and go for it 😂
Storage
Fridge: 4 days
Freezer: 2 months
Reheat with splash of milk to keep creamy.
Perfect for leftovers.
Final Thoughts
This cheesy chicken broccoli casserole is one of those “forever recipes.”
Simple ingredients. Easy steps. Huge flavor.