I’m so excited to share my Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake recipe with you! This is simple, cozy comfort food that brings together tender chicken, bright broccoli, and melty cheddar under a crunchy buttery topping. It is an easy weeknight winner.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Course: Main dish, Casserole
Cuisine: American
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake is one of those recipes I turn to when I want something that feels like home but does not take all day. The filling is creamy and cheesy, with cooked shredded chicken and cooked broccoli mixed into condensed soup and sour cream. I top everything with extra cheddar and a buttery crumb layer for crunch. You can serve it on its own, spoon it over rice, or pair it with a simple salad for a balanced meal.
You can use leftover roast chicken, rotisserie chicken, or quickly poach breasts for this. The casserole holds up well for leftovers and freezes nicely if you want to save portions for busy nights.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake
At a glance the method is simple:
• Mix cooked chicken and cooked broccoli with a creamy base made from condensed soup and sour cream.
• Stir in half the shredded cheddar so it melts into the filling.
• Transfer to a casserole dish and top with the rest of the cheese.
• Make a buttery breadcrumb topping and sprinkle it over the cheese.
• Bake until bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Ingredients
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 1 pound or a rotisserie chicken)
• 2 cups cooked, chopped broccoli (fresh or frozen then thawed and drained)
• 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Pinch ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (plain or panko for extra crunch)
• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
Optional add-ins
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan with the breadcrumbs for extra flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in the filling if you like a little garlic
Equipment
• 2-quart casserole dish or similar baking dish
• Mixing bowls, spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- In a large bowl combine the shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, both cans of condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Fold 1 cup of the shredded cheddar into the chicken mixture so the cheese is distributed through the filling.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups cheddar evenly over the top.
- In a small bowl mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. If using, add the grated Parmesan or garlic powder here. Sprinkle the buttery crumbs over the cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown. If you like a browner top, you can broil briefly for 1 to 2 minutes but watch carefully.
- Remove from the oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to portion.
Process Details
• Chicken and broccoli should be cooked before you begin. This recipe is built for convenience so rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken work great. For broccoli, steam, microwave, or blanch until bright green and just tender. Drain well so the casserole does not become watery.
• Condensed soup plus sour cream create a thick, creamy sauce without needing to make a separate white sauce. The sour cream also adds a mild tang that keeps the dish from tasting too heavy.
• Folding some of the cheese into the filling makes the casserole gooey and cohesive. The extra cheese on top melts and helps the breadcrumbs stick.
• Breadcrumbs tossed with melted butter produce a crisp topping. Panko gives a lighter crunch while regular breadcrumbs pack a more uniform crust.
Tips for Success
• Drain the broccoli well. Excess moisture will make the bake loose and watery. Press cooked florets in a towel or colander to remove water.
• Use sharp cheddar. It melts well and gives the best cheddar flavor.
• Do not overbake. Bake until bubbly and golden. Overbaking dries out the chicken and makes the topping too dark.
• Make it ahead. You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to bake time if going from cold.
• Gluten free option. Swap condensed soup for a gluten free creamy soup or homemade white sauce and use gluten free breadcrumbs.
• Stretching the dish. Serve over cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles to turn it into a larger meal for company.
Serving Ideas
• Spoon the bake over steamed rice or buttered noodles to soak up the sauce.
• Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Add roasted carrots or a simple cucumber and tomato salad on the side for color and freshness.
• For a heartier plate offer warm crusty bread to mop up the cheesy sauce.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Cool leftovers to room temperature, cover, and store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or rewarm the whole dish in a 350 F oven until heated through.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Cool completely, wrap tightly with foil or transfer individual portions to freezer containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350 F oven until hot in the center. You may want to add a few extra minutes of bake time when reheating from thawed.
• Tip: If you plan to freeze, consider holding back the breadcrumb topping and adding it fresh before baking for the best texture.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per serving)
• Calories: 474
• Protein: 29 g
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 944 mg
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary by brands and exact portions used.
My Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake is an easy, satisfying dish you can pull together from simple ingredients. I appreciate how flexible it is. Use leftover chicken, swap in panko, or serve it over rice to suit your family. It is cozy, cheesy, and comforting in all the right ways. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does.