Chicken Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
A creamy, cheesy broccoli and chicken casserole packed with flavor, perfect for comforting family dinners and easily customizable with your favorite cheese and seasonings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the broccoli until slightly tender, then drain well.
- Add poultry seasoning to water and simmer the chicken breasts, covered, until tender, about 25 minutes, then drain well.
- In a baking dish, combine cooked broccoli, cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and lemon juice.
- Dot with butter and top with sliced, shredded, or cubed mild cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or onion powder to the mixture. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the cooked chicken breasts. You can also use fresh broccoli if you prefer, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a bit of crunch, top the casserole with crushed crackers before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is delicious served with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, pair it with rice or quinoa. It also pairs beautifully with Lee'S Chicken Casserole for a comforting dinner spread. Don't forget to garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cheesy Broccoli Casserole contains roughly 230 calories, with 5g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 588mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli! Just steam it until slightly tender, about 3-5 minutes, before adding it to the casserole. This will help retain its bright color and crisp texture.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Just assemble the ingredients in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Mild cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses works best for this casserole. You can also experiment with pepper jack for a spicy kick or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).