Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe

Casseroles have a fascinating origin in French cuisine, evolving from peasant-style one-dish meals to American family dinner staples. You'll want to master this broccoli chicken casserole because it transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you're a busy parent or a cooking novice, this recipe promises a delicious solution to weeknight dinner dilemmas. Curious how a handful of ingredients can create such magic? Let's uncover the secrets of this classic comfort food.

Recipe Highlights

• A classic broccoli chicken casserole requires pre-cooked diced chicken, fresh broccoli florets, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheddar cheese.
• Assemble the casserole by layering chicken and broccoli in a baking dish, then top with a creamy soup and cheese mixture.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the casserole for approximately 35-40 minutes, covering with foil initially and removing for the final 10-15 minutes.
• Create a crispy topping by sprinkling crushed butter crackers and additional cheese over the casserole before baking for added texture and flavor.
• Serve the casserole hot with complementary sides like rice, salad, or garlic bread, and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

History

Although casseroles have been a staple of American home cooking for generations, the broccoli chicken casserole emerged as a signature dish during the mid-20th century.

You'll find its roots in the post-World War II era, when convenience foods and quick meal solutions became increasingly popular. The recipe reflected the growing interest in combining protein, vegetables, and creamy sauces into a single, easy-to-prepare dish.

Cream of chicken soup, introduced in 1934 by Campbell's, became a crucial ingredient, transforming home cooking with its rich, binding properties. Casseroles like this represented more than just meals; they symbolized domestic efficiency, familial comfort, and the modernizing American kitchen.

Recipe

Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a creamy sauce in one delightful meal. This classic recipe offers a perfect balance of protein and vegetables, making it an ideal option for families seeking a nutritious and satisfying dinner.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a few key ingredients, home cooks can create a delicious meal that comes together quickly and provides plenty of leftovers for the next day.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked, diced chicken
• 6 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crushed butter crackers

Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by layering the diced chicken on the bottom, followed by the broccoli florets. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup with 1½ cups of shredded cheese, stirring until well blended. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli layer.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese and crushed butter crackers over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

For the best results, ensure broccoli florets are cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces to promote even cooking. Using rotisserie chicken can save time, and letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, making this an excellent make-ahead meal option.

Cooking Steps

You'll want to start by preheating your oven to 350°F, creating the perfect cooking environment for your broccoli chicken casserole.

Layer your diced chicken and broccoli florets strategically in the baking dish, then spread the creamy soup and cheese mixture evenly across the top, ensuring every bite will be rich with flavor.

Finally, sprinkle those buttery cracker crumbs and remaining cheese over the surface, then bake until the top turns a tempting golden brown and the edges become wonderfully crisp.

Step 1. Preheat Oven to Temperature

Since preparing a delicious broccoli chicken casserole starts with the right temperature, you'll want to set your oven to 350°F (175°C) well before assembling the dish.

Position your oven rack in the center position to ensure even heat distribution, which helps cook your casserole uniformly. Use an oven thermometer if you're unsure about your appliance's accuracy, as precise temperature matters for achieving that perfect golden-brown topping.

• Allow 10-15 minutes for preheating
• Check that the oven reaches full temperature
• Listen for the preheat signal or watch the indicator light

Consistent heat guarantees your broccoli will be crisp-tender, your chicken thoroughly warmed, and your cheese perfectly melted.

Step 2. Layer Chicken Evenly

After setting your oven to the perfect temperature, it's time to build the foundation of your casserole by layering the chicken.

Start by taking your 4 cups of pre-cooked, diced chicken and spread them evenly across the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish. Aim for a uniform layer that covers the entire surface, ensuring each bite will have a consistent amount of protein.

Use these key techniques:

• Distribute chicken in a single, flat layer
• Break up any large clumps
• Cover the entire dish bottom
• Create an even thickness

Your goal is a smooth, consistent base that'll support the broccoli and creamy sauce to follow.

Gently press the chicken pieces to create a compact, steady foundation for the next layer of deliciousness.

Step 3. Spread Soup-Cheese Mixture Evenly

When combining the cream of chicken soup with cheese, precision transforms an ordinary mixture into the casserole's creamy, luxurious heart.

You'll want to use a medium-sized mixing bowl and a spatula to blend the two ingredients thoroughly. Aim to create a smooth, consistent texture by stirring until the shredded cheddar is evenly distributed throughout the cream of chicken soup.

Carefully spread this mixture over the chicken and broccoli layers, ensuring:

• Complete coverage of the bottom layer
• No large gaps or uneven spots
• A uniform thickness across the entire baking dish

Use gentle, sweeping motions with your spatula to distribute the soup-cheese blend. Press lightly to help the mixture settle between the broccoli and chicken pieces, creating a rich, interconnected base for your casserole.

Step 4. Top With Cracker Crumbs

The golden-brown crackers will crown your casserole with a delectable crunch, building upon the creamy foundation you've just carefully spread.

Take your crushed butter crackers and sprinkle them evenly across the surface, ensuring complete coverage. You'll want to distribute the crumbs uniformly, creating a consistent layer that will provide a satisfying textural contrast to the soft, creamy underneath.

Gently press the cracker crumbs down slightly, allowing them to nestle into the cheese and soup mixture.

Then, scatter the remaining shredded cheddar cheese across the top, which will melt and integrate with the crumbs during baking. The result? A perfectly crisp, golden topping that adds both visual appeal and a delightful crunch to your broccoli chicken casserole.

Step 5. Bake Until Golden, Crispy

Since your casserole's layers are now beautifully assembled, slide the baking dish into your preheated 350°F oven and let the magic of transformation begin.

Cover the dish with foil, which helps trap moisture and ensures even heating, preventing the top from burning too quickly.

After 25 minutes, remove the foil to allow the cracker crumbs and cheese to crisp and brown, creating that irresistible golden-brown crust.

Watch closely during the final 10-15 minutes, as you'll want a perfectly caramelized top without burning the crackers. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, with the crumbs turning a beautiful golden-brown color.

When you remove the casserole, let it rest for 5-10 minutes—this helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.

Final Thoughts

Although comfort food often gets a bad reputation, this broccoli chicken casserole proves that home-cooked meals can be both delicious and nutritionally balanced.

You'll find this recipe hits all the right notes for a satisfying dinner that won't weigh you down. The key is thoughtful ingredient selection and careful preparation, which transform simple components into a memorable meal.

When you're ready to serve, let the casserole rest for those crucial 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to set and makes portioning easier.

You'll appreciate the crisp cracker topping, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked chicken and broccoli. With minimal prep and straightforward technique, you've created a crowd-pleasing dish that celebrates home cooking's simple pleasures.