Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

If comfort food had a superhero cape, it would be this Chicken Broccoli Casserole—creamy, cheesy, and so satisfying it practically hums with nostalgia from the very first bite.

 

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

This casserole has been whispered about at family reunions, boasted about at potlucks, and declared “the best” by everyone from picky toddlers to seasoned grandparents. It started in my mother’s kitchen thirty years ago when she discovered that a simple pinch of curry powder could take a humble chicken-and-broccoli bake from “eh” to “oh wow.” Since then, it’s become the cornerstone of my family dinners and my son’s absolute favorite dish—he’ll even skip dessert to make sure he has room for an extra scoop.

Whether you’re after a hearty dinner that feeds a crowd or a meal-prep superstar for busy weekday nights, this Chicken Broccoli Casserole has your back. We’ll break it down into clear steps, share the science behind that creamy sauce, offer cooking hacks to save you time, and even sprinkle in some sassy recipe variations. Get ready to meet your new weeknight hero!

It is a standby weeknight meal and easy to make, freeze, and bake at a later date. You can freeze it for up to 6 months. If frozen, bake uncovered for 1 hour. Casseroles are the first version of the one pan meal. Most of the casseroles from the 80’s did have a lot of creamy soups added but that doesn’t make it all bad. Chicken Curry Casserole is one of those casseroles.

If you haven’t tried curry before, it just adds another layer of flavor to this recipe. It’s not spicy at all!

 

Chicken broccoli Casserole

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works like a dream)
• 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed until bright green and just tender
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk (or half-and-half for an extra-luxe sauce)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon curry powder (trust me, it’s magic)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or chives

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a thin layer of butter.
2. Steam the Broccoli
Place broccoli florets in a steaming basket over a pot of boiling water, cover, and steam for 3–4 minutes until vibrantly green and just tender. Immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking, then drain well and pat dry.
3. Sauté the Base
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced onion and a pinch of salt; cook until onion is soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and curry powder, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, ensuring no lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5–6 minutes.
5. Cheesy Goodness
Remove sauce from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan until melted and silky. Season with pepper and adjust salt to taste.
6. Assemble the Casserole
In the prepared baking dish, combine shredded chicken and steamed broccoli. Pour the creamy sauce over the top, gently folding to coat evenly. Spread into an even layer.
7. Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil (or melted butter) and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole, then top with a light dusting of extra shredded cheddar.
8. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the topping is golden and the sauce bubbles around the edges. If you crave extra brown spots, broil for 1–2 minutes—just keep an eye so it doesn’t scorch!
9. Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Scoop hefty servings onto plates and watch them disappear.

 

Calorie Count

A generous serving (about 1⅙ cups) of this Chicken Broccoli Casserole clocks in around 380 calories. It balances protein from the chicken and cheese, healthy greens from broccoli, and just enough indulgence to make you sigh happily.

 

Nutritional Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (≈1⅙ cups)
Calories	380
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	11g
Cholesterol	100mg
Sodium	720mg
Total Carbohydrate	18g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	5g
Protein	28g

 

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Cooking Tips

• Always steam broccoli just until tender-crisp. Overcooking turns it mushy and bleeds out that gorgeous green hue.
• Using rotisserie chicken saves time and infuses flavor—no night-of roasting required.
• For a lighter sauce, swap half the milk for low-fat milk or use all whole milk and skip the half-and-half.
• Whisk continuously when adding milk to the roux to prevent lumps. If lumps sneak in, strain the sauce before adding cheese.
• Make the breadcrumb topping extra crispy by toasting it lightly in a skillet with olive oil before sprinkling on.
• Swap out curry powder for smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne if your tastebuds need a smoky kick.
• Let the casserole rest before serving; this lets the sauce thicken and keeps it from running off the plate.
• To reheat without drying out, cover with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals with a damp paper towel on top.
• Prep the casserole up to assembly the night before. Keep refrigerated and bake fresh when you’re ready—perfect for busy mornings.
• Freeze individual servings in airtight containers for grab-and-go lunches or solo dinners. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Recipe Variations

• Tex-Mex Twist: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, add a can of drained black beans, and stir in ½ teaspoon chili powder. Top with crushed tortilla chips.
• Mushroom Medley: Sauté 8 ounces sliced mushrooms with the onions. The umami boost deepens the flavor and adds savory earthiness.
• Spinach & Artichoke Style: Fold in 1 cup chopped frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) and ½ cup chopped artichoke hearts before baking for a twist on your favorite dip.
• Mediterranean Flair: Omit curry powder. Stir in ¼ cup sun-dried tomato slices, 2 tablespoons chopped kalamata olives, and finish with crumbled feta cheese on top.
• Low-Carb Edition: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of panko, and swap regular flour for coconut flour in the roux.
• One-Pan Wonder: Skip the casserole dish. Layer in a cast-iron skillet, top with breadcrumbs, and bake. The skillet’s heat retention creates extra-crispy edges.
• Spicy Curry Supreme: Double the curry powder and add ½ teaspoon turmeric and a dash of cayenne. Serve with lime wedges to brighten the flavors.
• Cream Cheese Dream: Stir in 4 ounces softened cream cheese with the sauce for an ultra-luxurious texture.
• Gouda & Bacon: Replace half the cheddar with smoked gouda and sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top before baking.
• Herb Garden Fresh: Mix in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs—thyme, rosemary, or tarragon—into the sauce for a fragrant twist.

 

 

 

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Kid Tips

• Little chefs can help measure ingredients—especially the fun ones like curry powder and breadcrumbs. It feels like potion-making!
• Let kids arrange the broccoli and chicken in the dish. They’ll beam with pride watching their handiwork steam and bubble.
• Swap cheddar for a mild Colby or Monterey Jack if your crew prefers gentler flavors.
• Provide mini spoons so kids can taste-test the sauce before it goes into the oven (careful, it’s hot!).
• Serve casseroles in colorful ramekins or mini skillets for a personalized twist. Top each with a smiley face made from veggies or cheese.
• Turn cleanup into a game: see who can find the most stray broccoli floret on the floor or counter. Loser has to wipe down the counter!
• Host a “casserole bar” where each child adds one extra ingredient—like diced ham, corn kernels, or shredded carrots—to customize their portion.
• Teach kids about texture contrast by having them compare spoonfuls with and without the crispy breadcrumb topping. Crunch appreciation 101!

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

 

This Chicken Broccoli Casserole is more than dinner—it’s a time machine, transporting you back to kitchen counters filled with chatter, ovens humming with anticipation, and plates piled high. Its creamy curry-kissed sauce and crunchy topping strike the ultimate balance between cozy and fun. Best of all, it’s endlessly adaptable: whether you keep it classic or venture into spicy, veggie-packed, or cheese-laden territory, the result is always a crowd-pleaser.
So gather your ingredients, channel your inner casserole connoisseur, and let this family legend take center stage at your table. And when you hear the clinking of forks and the chorus of “Mmm, so good!” you’ll know that comfort (and a pinch of curry) never tasted better. Happy baking! Tag us on Instagram!