Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole
This is the casserole that makes weeknight dinner effortless — tender chicken chunks and bright broccoli florets baked in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a golden, bubbly cheddar crust. Every spoonful is warm, cheesy, and satisfying, and it comes together in one dish in 35 minutes.
With ~36g of protein per serving and only ~6g net carbs — the comfort dinner that the whole family asks for.
Why You'll Love This
Tender chicken, bright broccoli, golden cheese crust
~36g protein per serving, only ~6g net carbs
One baking dish, 35 minutes, feeds a crowd
The casserole that tastes like a warm hug
Amazing Protein Recipes
Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- Prep10 min
- Cook25 min
- Total35 min
- Servings6 servings
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Steam or microwave the broccoli 2–3 minutes until just tender. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Fold in the chicken, broccoli, and half the cheddar and mozzarella.
- Spread the mixture into the baking dish. Top with the remaining cheeses.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes & Tips
- Drain the broccoli well: Wet broccoli makes a watery casserole — drain it thoroughly after steaming.
- Use rotisserie chicken: It saves 20 minutes and adds extra flavor — shred it straight into the bowl.
- Room temp cream cheese: Cold cream cheese won't mix smooth — let it soften first.
- Don't overbake: The chicken is already cooked — you're just melting the cheese and heating through.
- Nutrition: Per serving (estimate): 420 calories, 26g fat.
- Fridge: Store airtight up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes — the microwave makes it watery.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
Variations & serving ideas
- Cauliflower version: Swap broccoli for cauliflower florets.
- Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the cheese sauce.
- Bacon version: Stir in 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon.
- Different cheese: Gruyère, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend all work beautifully.
Storage
- Assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate; bake when ready to serve.
- The Secret to a Casserole That's Creamy, Not Watery
- The secret is the drained broccoli and the cream cheese base. Wet broccoli releases water as it bakes, thinning the sauce into soup — draining it first keeps the sauce thick and creamy. And cream cheese gives you a rich, stable base that doesn't separate like a flour-based sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · makes 6 servings
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Total carbohydrate | 6 g |
| Protein | 36 g |
Nutrition values are approximate and vary with brands and portion sizes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to make Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole?
About 35 minutes in total: 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking.
What ingredients do I need for Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole?
The key ingredients include chicken breast, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, broccoli and garlic powder. The recipe card lists every ingredient with exact amounts.
How should I store leftovers?
Fridge: Store airtight up to 4 days. Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
What oven temperature does this recipe use?
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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