Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Bake

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken (cubed or shredded)
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups cooked rice or pasta (optional but recommended)

Cream Sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Italian seasoning or thyme

Topping

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • Extra cheese (optional)

Optional add-ins:

  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Corn
  • Bacon bits
  • Spinach

Choose the Right Chicken

You can use:

  • Rotisserie chicken (easy shortcut)
  • Leftover chicken
  • Boiled chicken breast
  • Grilled chicken

Shred or cube into bite-sized pieces.

Using cooked chicken makes this recipe much faster.

Great way to use leftovers.

Prepare the Broccoli

Fresh broccoli works best for texture.

Cut into small florets.

Blanch in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.

Or microwave for 2 minutes.

You want it slightly soft but still bright green.

Overcooking makes mushy broccoli.

If using frozen, thaw and drain well.

Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

This sauce is the heart of the casserole.

In a saucepan:

Melt butter over medium heat.

Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove raw taste.

Slowly add milk and cream while whisking constantly.

Simmer until thick and smooth.

Add parmesan and half the shredded cheese.

Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.

The sauce should be creamy and velvety — not too thick, not too thin.

Taste and adjust seasoning.

You’ll want to eat it with a spoon 😄

Combine Everything

Now comes the easy part.

In a large bowl, mix:

  • Chicken
  • Broccoli
  • Cooked rice or pasta (optional)
  • Cheese sauce

Stir gently until everything is coated.

This mixture should look creamy and cheesy.

Transfer to a greased baking dish.

Spread evenly.

Add the Crunchy Topping

The topping gives that perfect golden crust.

In a small bowl, mix:

  • Breadcrumbs
  • Melted butter
  • Extra cheese (optional)

Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

This creates:

  • crispy texture
  • beautiful color
  • extra flavor

Totally worth it.

Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when:

  • edges bubble
  • top turns golden brown
  • cheese melts beautifully

If you want extra browning, broil 2 minutes at the end.

Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

This helps it set.

Texture Tips for Perfect Casserole

For extra creamy

Add more cheese or cream

For lighter version

Use milk instead of cream

For extra crispy top

Broil at the end

For thicker casserole

Add more rice or pasta

For more flavor

Add garlic powder or paprika

Little tweaks make big differences.

Flavor Variations

You can easily customize.

Bacon Chicken Broccoli

Add crispy bacon pieces

Alfredo Style

Use alfredo sauce instead

Spicy Version

Add chili flakes or hot sauce

Mushroom Lover’s

Add sautéed mushrooms

Low-Carb Version

Skip rice and pasta

Extra Veggie

Add carrots, peas, or spinach

So many possibilities.

Make Ahead Option

This casserole is perfect for prepping early.

Assemble everything.

Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.

Bake when ready.

Great for busy days or guests.

Zero stress cooking.

Storage Tips

Fridge: 3–4 days

Freezer: 2 months

Reheat covered with foil.

Add splash of milk to refresh creaminess.

Microwave works, but oven keeps texture better.

What to Serve With

It’s already a full meal, but you can add:

  • Side salad
  • Garlic bread
  • Roasted veggies
  • Soup
  • Rice

Or just enjoy as is — it’s filling enough.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Watery broccoli

Drain well

Thin sauce

Cook longer to thicken

Skipping seasoning

Bland result

Overbaking

Dries out casserole

No topping

Miss that crunchy texture

Follow the steps and it turns out perfect every time.

Final Thoughts

This creamy chicken broccoli casserole is comfort food at its finest. Cheesy, creamy, hearty, and satisfying — it’s the kind of dish everyone asks for seconds.

Simple ingredients. Easy steps. Huge flavor.

The type of meal that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing and brings everyone to the table fast.

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