Creamy Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe

Zesty Creamy Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe for Tonight

Who doesn’t crave a hearty broccoli chicken casserole that promises comfort in every delectable bite?

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions for hungry families.

Crisp broccoli florets and tender chicken pieces create a delightful symphony of flavors and textures.

Warm and inviting, this casserole delivers a nutritious meal that feels like a warm hug.

Creamy sauce binds ingredients together, ensuring each spoonful melts in you mouth with rich, savory goodness.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the golden, bubbling top that adds an irresistible crunch.

Quick to assemble and even faster to disappear from the plate, this recipe guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Dig in and savor every delicious moment of this home-cooked masterpiece.

What Complements Broccoli Chicken Casserole

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy chicken and broccoli, cutting through the richness with bright, refreshing notes.
  • Serve with Rustic Garlic Bread: Toast slices of crusty bread brushed with garlic butter to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying crunch to the meal.
  • Match with Zesty Garden Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's creamy texture.
  • Enhance with Roasted Asparagus: Prepare simple roasted asparagus spears with olive oil and sea salt to provide a fresh, green vegetable side that elevates the dish's nutritional profile.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole Spins

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon for a protein-packed meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap Knorr noodles with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, substitute Knorr noodles with gluten-free pasta, and ensure bouillon is certified gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives, using coconut milk or almond milk-based cream soup for creamy consistency.

FAQs

  • What makes the Knorr broccoli noodles special in this recipe?

The Knorr broccoli noodles provide a quick and flavorful base for the casserole, adding convenience and taste without requiring separate noodle cooking.

  • Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain it before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or preparing meals in advance.

  • How can I ensure the chicken stays moist during baking?

Covering the casserole with foil helps trap moisture, preventing the chicken from drying out and ensuring a tender, juicy result.

Why Creamy Broccoli Chicken Casserole Was a Happy Accident

  • Whip Up Effortless Comfort: This casserole requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor with simple ingredients anyone can handle.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for turkey, add different vegetables, or experiment with cheese varieties to make this recipe uniquely yours.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Perfect for family meals, potlucks, and gatherings where you need a hearty, satisfying dish that pleases everyone from kids to adults.
  • Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Combines protein-packed chicken, vitamin-rich broccoli, and comforting noodles in a single, easy-to-clean baking dish.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole (Creamy) Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender protein centerpiece of the casserole.
  • Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable adding nutrition and color.
  • Knorr Broccoli Noodles: Convenient pasta base for the dish.
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy sauce that helps bind ingredients.
  • Water: Helps create the right moisture for cooking noodles.
Seasoning and Topping Ingredients:
  • Knorr Suiza (Chicken Bouillon), Shredded Cheese: Flavor enhancers that add depth and richness.
  • Cooking Spray or Butter: Prevents sticking and adds a light grease to the dish.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven fired up to a toasty 425°F (220°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray or a gentle butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

Ingredients:
  • Broccoli noodles
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Water

Pour the broccoli noodles into the prepared dish. Mix in the cream of chicken soup and water until everything is beautifully combined and smooth.

Step 3: Layer the Protein

Gently nestle the chicken breasts into the noodle mixture. Sprinkle chicken bouillon evenly across the top, adding an extra burst of flavor to the dish.

Step 4: Introduce the Green Goodness

Scatter chopped broccoli florets generously throughout the casserole, ensuring every bite will have a delightful green crunch.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Shower the entire casserole with a blanket of shredded cheese, creating a golden, melty topping that’ll make mouths water.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the noodles have reached that perfect tender state.

Step 7: Serve with Love

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve piping hot alongside some crusty rolls or a fresh garden salad for a complete, satisfying meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Chicken Casserole Tips That Balance Broccoli and Cream

  • Prevent Soggy Texture: Pat chicken dry before adding to prevent excess moisture and ensure a crisp, golden top layer.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add garlic powder or dried herbs like thyme to enhance the overall taste profile of the casserole.
  • Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey for a quick meal variation.
  • Control Cheese Meltdown: Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and prevent runny consistency.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and ensure cream of chicken soup is certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.

Keep Creamy Broccoli Chicken Casserole Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months; label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through, preventing dryness.
  • Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
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Creamy Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe

Creamy Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rich, cheesy broccoli chicken casserole delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor to the last comforting bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 56 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Carbohydrates:

  • 4 packs Knorr broccoli noodles
  • 2 cans (10.5 ounces / 298 grams each) cream of chicken soup

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 head fresh broccoli (chopped)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (Colby, Monterey Jack, or favorite blend)
  • 2 cans water (measured using cream of chicken soup cans)
  • 1 teaspoon Knorr Suiza (chicken bouillon)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a toasty 425°F, preparing a spacious 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Distribute the Knorr broccoli noodles across the greased dish, creating an even base layer that will absorb the creamy sauce.
  3. Pour the cream of chicken soup and water over the noodles, gently stirring to ensure uniform moisture and flavor distribution throughout the base.
  4. Nestle the chicken breasts into the noodle mixture, allowing them to sink slightly and become enveloped by the surrounding ingredients.
  5. Sprinkle the Knorr Suiza chicken bouillon evenly across the chicken, infusing the dish with a robust savory essence that will enhance the overall taste profile.
  6. Strategically scatter the chopped broccoli florets throughout the casserole, ensuring each bite will include a verdant vegetable component.
  7. Generously blanket the entire surface with shredded cheese, creating a golden, melty topping that will develop a delectable crispy texture during baking.
  8. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and cook for 30-35 minutes until the chicken reaches perfect doneness and noodles achieve tender perfection.
  9. Remove from the oven, let rest briefly, then serve piping hot alongside crusty rolls or a crisp side salad for a satisfying and complete meal.

Notes

  • Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before adding to the casserole to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
  • Replace regular chicken bouillon with low-sodium alternatives or homemade stock to control salt content for health-conscious eaters.
  • Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives and use cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian-friendly version.
  • Toast breadcrumbs with herbs and sprinkle on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for an extra crispy, golden-brown surface.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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