If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that manages to satisfy cravings and sneak in some green goodness, this Chicken Broccoli Bake is here to win hearts in your kitchen. Creamy, cheesy, and crowned with a buttery cracker topping, this casserole turns a handful of humble ingredients into a crave-worthy crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re tackling a busy weeknight, feeding a family gathering, or meal-prepping for a cozy weekend, you’ll love how effortless and rewarding this dish is from start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together a mouthwatering Chicken Broccoli Bake is all about simple ingredients that each bring something special to the table. Every component adds a layer of flavor or texture that transforms this casserole into pure, golden-bubbly bliss.
- Cooked Chicken (3 cups, shredded or cubed): Use rotisserie chicken for speed and unbeatable tenderness, or simply cook and shred whatever chicken you have on hand.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets (3 cups, lightly steamed or blanched): A quick steam keeps the broccoli bright and crisp-tender, adding freshness and color.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): The creamy base that ties everything together, offering savory, comforting richness.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Makes the sauce extra luscious—swap for Greek yogurt to lighten things up while keeping the creaminess.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Thins out the sauce just enough for a perfectly scoopable consistency.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully into the casserole, adding irresistible cheesiness.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the casserole a subtle savory depth.
- Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with a gentle hint of sweetness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every other flavor in the bake—taste as you go if using rotisserie chicken, which can be salty.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a little pop, warming up the creamy sauce.
- Crushed Buttery Crackers (1 cup, like Ritz): The secret weapon for that golden, crunchy topping everyone loves.
- Melted Butter (2 tablespoons): Helps those cracker crumbs toast up beautifully and adds a rich flavor finish.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Bake
Step 1: Get Ready to Bake
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Taking a few moments to prep your workspace and ingredients makes assembling the Chicken Broccoli Bake a total breeze.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well-blended—this is the flavorful glue that’ll hold the casserole together.
Step 3: Add the Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheese
Gently fold the cooked chicken, lightly steamed broccoli, and shredded cheddar cheese into your creamy sauce. Mix just until the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated—don’t overdo it, you want the ingredients to hold their texture.
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth it out into an even layer with a spatula. This ensures even baking and makes every serving as satisfying as the last.
Step 5: Top It Off
In a small bowl, stir together the crushed buttery crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle this glorious mixture evenly over the top of the casserole for a crunchy, golden finish that everyone will fight over.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your Chicken Broccoli Bake into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is crisp and golden and you see bubbly goodness peeking around the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before scooping—it’ll set up just right for serving.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Bake
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving adds a bright pop of color and a whisper of freshness. If you love a little extra zing, consider a light dusting of fresh cracked black pepper or even a touch more shredded cheese on top.
Side Dishes
Chicken Broccoli Bake doesn’t need much to be a complete meal, but it’s fabulous alongside fluffy white rice, buttered noodles, or simple roasted potatoes. A crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette brings a welcome contrast and keeps things balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party showstopper, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins or mini cocottes for personal servings—guests just love having their own little bake! Or serve the bake atop freshly toasted sourdough for a twist on open-faced comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Chicken Broccoli Bake into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making for next-day lunches you’ll actually look forward to!
Freezing
This casserole is wonderfully freezer-friendly before baking. Assemble everything up through the final sprinkle of cracker topping, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to bake.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave until hot, or warm the full casserole, covered, in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes. For the crispiest topping, remove the foil for the last few minutes. Add a splash of milk if the bake seems a little dry after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for Chicken Broccoli Bake?
Absolutely! Swap in frozen broccoli florets—just thaw and drain well first to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
Cream of mushroom or even cream of celery soup is a tasty alternative, adding a slightly different flavor profile that still pairs perfectly with the chicken and broccoli.
Is it possible to make Chicken Broccoli Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can fully assemble the casserole (without baking), cover, and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled from the fridge.
How can I make this Chicken Broccoli Bake gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free cream soup and swap the regular buttery crackers for your favorite gluten-free variety. The flavor and crunch are just as delicious!
Can I make Chicken Broccoli Bake lower in calories?
Easily! Use light cheddar, swap Greek yogurt for the sour cream, and go easy on the cracker topping. You’ll still get a creamy, satisfying casserole with a little less indulgence.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you pull this Chicken Broccoli Bake hot and bubbling from the oven, it will become one of those go-to recipes you turn to whenever life calls for comfort and convenience. Gather your family, serve up a generous scoop, and watch it work its magic at your table!
Print
Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Broccoli Bake is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for a family dinner. Creamy chicken and broccoli are baked with a cheesy topping for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the topping:
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the casserole: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, broccoli, and cheddar cheese. Mix well and pour into the baking dish.
- Make the topping: Mix crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or cream of mushroom soup for variation.
- Freezer-friendly before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
