You can never go wrong with a hearty casserole such as cheeseburger casserole, chicken noodle casserole, and this creamy and cheesy chicken broccoli bake.
Casseroles are popular for good reason – they’re quick to assemble, feed a crowd and can be easily modified to suit your tastes. This chicken broccoli casserole is a complete meal in one pot, and is on my regular dinner menu rotation. For more easy chicken dinners, be sure to check out my list of 20 one pot chicken recipes!
How do you make chicken broccoli casserole?
Start by cooking diced raw chicken in a large pot until golden brown. Add onions and garlic, then cook until the veggies are soft. Stir in uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth and Italian seasoning, then cook until the rice is tender. Stir in broccoli florets during the last few minutes of the rice cooking time. Add half the cheese to the rice, then sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top. Add a layer of crushed buttered crackers, then place the pan in the oven. Bake until the cheese is melted and crackers are golden brown. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve immediately.
Tips for the perfect casserole
I like to use raw chicken breast tenders for this recipe, because they stay very tender when cooked and are easy to cut into bite sized pieces. Cubed chicken breast will also work just fine. I typically use fresh broccoli because I find it has the best texture, but frozen broccoli will also work. Just make sure to thaw the broccoli first. This recipe is designed to be made with long grain white rice. Brown rice takes longer to cook and will require more liquid if you choose to go that route. Skip the store bought shredded cheese and grate your own instead. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti caking agents and preservatives and often doesn’t melt smoothly.
Can you cook raw chicken in a casserole?
I really recommend cooking your chicken before you put it in a casserole. Raw chicken can sometimes cook unevenly in a casserole and get a rubbery texture. It also takes longer to cook the dish.
Chicken broccoli casserole flavor variations
This dish is great as-is, but you can absolutely change up the ingredients to make the flavors work for your family.
Protein: Instead of chicken breast, try chicken thighs, Italian sausage, smoked chicken sausage or even ground beef. You can also add cooked and crumbled bacon. Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies such as shredded carrots, sliced mushrooms, zucchini, diced bell peppers, spinach or corn. Grains: You can use small pasta such as orzo or small shells instead of rice. Pearl couscous is also a good choice. Cheese: I like a blend of cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan. Other great options include Monterey Jack, colby, swiss, fontina or provolone.
My family always requests this chicken broccoli casserole and I’m happy to oblige. It’s a great way to get dinner on the table with minimal effort.
More casserole recipes to try
Ham Casserole Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Pizza Casserole Cauliflower Casserole Hamburger Casserole
Chicken Broccoli Casserole Video
