This delightful chicken broccoli and cheddar casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that brings together the flavors of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.
If you don't usually keep cream of chicken soup in your pantry, you might need to pick up a can at the supermarket. Additionally, make sure you have enough cheddar cheese on hand, as this recipe calls for a generous amount to achieve that rich, cheesy flavor.

Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole
Chicken: Cooked and shredded, this forms the protein base of the casserole.
Broccoli: Fresh florets add a healthy, green component to the dish.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded, this cheese melts beautifully and adds a rich, creamy texture.
Cream of chicken soup: This canned soup provides a creamy, savory base for the casserole.
Milk: Helps to thin out the soup and create a smooth sauce.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor.
Onion powder: Enhances the overall taste with a mild onion flavor.
Salt: Season to taste to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and enhances the dish's flavor profile.
Technique Tip for This Casserole
When preparing the broccoli florets, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the casserole. This will help maintain their vibrant green color and ensure they are tender but still slightly crisp after baking.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cooked chicken - Substitute with cooked turkey: Turkey has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable replacement for chicken in casseroles.
broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a good alternative to broccoli.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients in the casserole.
cream of chicken soup - Substitute with cream of mushroom soup: Cream of mushroom soup provides a similar creamy consistency and adds a different but complementary flavor.
milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk can be used to maintain the creamy texture without altering the flavor significantly.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions offer a fresh and slightly sweet flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a depth of umami flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to maintain the spiciness without altering the color of the dish.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Casserole
How To Store / Freeze This Casserole
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
- Transfer the casserole to an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. Portion it into individual servings to make reheating easier and more convenient.
- To freeze, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn.
- Label the freezer-safe bag or container with the date and contents. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
- Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it may take an additional 10-15 minutes.
- To keep the cheddar cheese topping from drying out during reheating, cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the first half of the reheating time, then remove the foil to allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
- For a quicker option, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the casserole in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated evenly.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the leftover casserole to an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the cheese to get golden and crispy.
Microwave Method:
- Place a portion of the leftover casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
- Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Check the temperature and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes if necessary.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
- Place the leftover casserole in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Ensure the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover casserole in an air fryer-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Heat for 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Remove the foil for the last 3-5 minutes to crisp up the cheese.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C) until it is bubbly and golden brown.
Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all the ingredients evenly before transferring them to the casserole dish.
Casserole dish: The vessel in which the mixture is baked, ensuring even cooking and a nice presentation.
Cheese grater: Used to shred the cheddar cheese, ensuring it melts evenly throughout the casserole.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the milk and other ingredients to maintain the recipe's balance.
Can opener: Required to open the can of cream of chicken soup.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for mixing the ingredients together without damaging the mixing bowl.
Cooking spray: Used to grease the casserole dish, preventing the casserole from sticking.
Knife: Useful for cutting the cooked chicken into smaller, shreddable pieces if not already shredded.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the chicken and preparing the broccoli florets.
Time-Saving Tips for This Casserole
Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store instead of cooking and shredding your own.
Frozen broccoli: Opt for frozen broccoli florets which are already washed and cut, reducing prep time.
Pre-shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheddar cheese to skip the grating step.
One-bowl mixing: Mix all ingredients in one bowl to minimize cleanup time.
Microwave the broccoli: Quickly steam the broccoli florets in the microwave instead of boiling them on the stove.

Chicken Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded
- 4 cups Broccoli Florets
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- to taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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