Creamy chicken and broccoli casserole with cheese? Yes, please! Once you make this and discover how wonderful it is, you’ll want to add it to your dinner rotation.
When you want a comforting and delicious dinner option, this creamy chicken and broccoli casserole with cheese recipe is the one to turn to. It’s easy to prepare, and it tastes amazing! You and your family will love how it satisfies your taste buds while providing the nutrition you need.
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
This cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole is the perfect comfort food dish. This crowd-pleasing dinner is super easy to make. In fact, you can make it ahead of time if you know you’ll be in a time crunch.
Ingredients
I love the fact that this recipe only has a few basic ingredients. I often have most of what I need in my pantry.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cooked chicken (chopped, diced, or shredded)
- Frozen broccoli pieces, thawed
- Can of cream of celery soup (10-3/4 ounce can)
- Mayonnaise
- Lemon juice
- Shredded cheese
All of these ingredients should be available at any grocery store. I used a rotisserie chicken, but you can also use cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts or even canned chicken.
For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Casserole with Cheese
Making a creamy chicken and broccoli casserole with cheese is easy. Anyone who knows me is aware that I usually figure out ways to make any recipe easy, so this is right up my alley.
Preheat your oven to 350˚ F. Grease the bottom of an 8” x 8” baking dish. Or you can use a 7” x 11” pan, but the casserole won’t be as thick.
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, broccoli, cream of celery soup, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
Serve hot.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
This casserole recipe is good just as it is. However, if you’re trying to stretch your budget or feed more people, you can serve it over rice or noodles.
Another option is to serve it over toast. I’ve done this with leftovers the next day, and it’s really good.
More Options for a Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
If you want to add other ingredients or swap some out, that’s fine. Once you make this dish, it becomes your recipe.
Here are some ways to make it your own:
Turn it into a chicken and broccoli rice casserole by adding rice. Don’t forget to add liquid so the rice can cook. You can use either water or chicken broth.
Instead of using frozen broccoli, use fresh broccoli. Steam it first.
Also add some ranch seasoning to turn it into ranch chicken casserole.
Use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of celery.
Sprinkle some bread crumbs over the top. You can either mix them in with the cheese or add them separately.
Instead of shredded cheddar cheese, use mozzarella or provolone.
Put some of your favorite seasonings in the mixture. Here are some I’ve tried:
- Italian seasoning
- Worcestershire sauce
- Ground black pepper
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Minced garlic
- Sour cream (instead of mayonnaise)
What to Do with Leftover Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Speaking of leftovers, this casserole is good for 3-4 days if you refrigerate it. I either cover the pan in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. You’ll need to put it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
When you want to eat it, thaw it first. I put the container in the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Or put the airtight container in a bowl of cold water for 2-3 hours.
For reheating, transfer it to an oven-safe baking dish and heat it in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 350˚ F. If I’m in a big hurry, I’ll put each serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in the microwave for a minute or two.
Use it as a topping for a baked potato. Or if you have some tortillas, make a quesadilla with it as a filler.
Get creative and try a variety of ways to enjoy this dish a second time around. You may just discover a new favorite dish!
More Delicious and Comforting Casseroles
If you enjoy comforting casseroles, I have more delicious options for you to try.
Here are a few of my family’s favorites:
Chicken and Waffle Casserole – This is a cheesy twist on the popular chicken and waffles dish. It’s easy to make and so yummy!
Hobo Casserole with Beef – Also called hobo hubby casserole and simply a ground beef casserole, this one is packed with lots of comforting flavors.
Frozen Burrito Casserole – When you need a quick weeknight dinner, this frozen burrito casserole is a wonderful option. It satisfies on so many levels, and your family will ask for it over and over!
Salmon Casserole – We all know that salmon is good for us, so stock up on it when it’s on sale. Then you’ll have what you need to make this yummy and filling salmon casserole!
Unstuffed Peppers Casserole – You’ll love the familiar flavors in this delicious casserole from Julia’s Simply Southern.
Eggplant Parmesan – Made with all whole foods, you’ll be amazed by how flavorful and delicious this dish is!
Creamy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole – Serve this as a side dish or add some protein for a one-pan meal. We love this yummy and filling casserole!
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole with Cheese
This chicken and broccoli casserole with cheese is an easy and delicious one-pan meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (chopped, diced, or shredded)
- 1 cup frozen broccoli pieces (thawed)
- 1 can cream of celery soup (10-3/4 ounce can)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Grease bottom of 8” x 8” baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, cream of celery soup, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
- Pour into the baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and return to the oven. Bake for another 15 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
You can serve this casserole by itself. Or serve it over a nest of rice or noodles.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 395Total Fat 29gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 89mgSodium 523mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 25g
The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.