This Broccoli Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dinner, featuring tender bite-sized chicken breast pieces and vibrant broccoli florets smothered in a rich, homemade garlic cheddar cheese sauce and baked until bubbling and golden brown.
Unlike traditional recipes that rely on canned condensed soup, this scratch-made version uses real cream, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and aromatics for an intensely rich and wholesome flavor. It’s naturally low-carb, keto-friendly, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Made from scratch with NO canned soup!
- Packed with tender lean chicken and wholesome green broccoli for a complete one-pan meal
- Topped with a blend of bubbly mozzarella and sharp cheddar that creates irresistible golden edges
- Naturally keto and gluten-free friendly!
If you love cozy family casseroles like our Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole, this cheesy broccoli bake will quickly earn a permanent spot on your weekly dinner menu.
Key Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
Here are the wholesome ingredients that come together to create this creamy, cheesy bake:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs cut into bite-sized 1-inch pieces. You can also use shredded cooked rotisserie chicken to save time!
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: 4 cups of bite-sized broccoli florets, lightly steamed or blanched for 2 minutes so they bake tender-crisp.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1.5 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar for deep savory cheese flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup whole-milk mozzarella for that signature stretchy, bubbly melt on top.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 3/4 cup rich heavy cream (or half-and-half) to build the velvety cheese sauce.
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Garlic & Butter: 3 cloves minced fresh garlic sautéed in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
- Italian Herbs & Seasoning: Dried oregano, thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How to Make Broccoli Chicken Casserole (Step-by-Step)
1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breast cubes with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown on all sides (it will finish cooking in the oven). Transfer to a plate.
2. Prepare the Garlic Cheddar Sauce: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing to a gentle simmer. Whisk in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
3. Combine & Top with Cheese: Add the seared chicken pieces and broccoli florets into the skillet (or transfer to a 9×13 baking dish). Toss until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Top generously with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake Until Bubbly & Golden: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling vigorously and melted into golden-brown spots across the top. For extra crispy edges, broil on high for the final 2 minutes.
5. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the rich cheese sauce to thicken. Spoon onto plates and enjoy warm!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Lightly blanch the broccoli: Steam or microwave broccoli florets with a splash of water for 2 minutes before assembling
- This ensures the broccoli is tender-crisp without releasing excess water into the creamy sauce
- Shred your own cheese from a block for the smoothest, creamiest melt without anti-caking additives!
Variations & Add-Ins
- Crunchy Crumb Topping: Toss 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter over the cheese before baking for extra crunch.
- Bacon Cheddar Style: Fold in 1/2 cup of crispy cooked bacon crumbles into the casserole for smoky flavor.
- Rice or Pasta Addition: Stir in 2 cups of cooked white rice or cooked pasta for an extra hearty family meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To Store: Let leftovers cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire baking dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes until bubbly throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli florets?
Yes! Thaw frozen broccoli completely and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before adding to the casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 5 minutes to the baking time.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! With no flour, no canned soup, and low-carb broccoli and chicken, this casserole contains only 4g net carbs per serving.
More Comforting Chicken Dinners to Try Next
- Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole — An effortless 30-minute pasta and chicken bake with crispy panko.
- Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet — Tender chicken cutlets in a tangy garlic-parmesan cream sauce.
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta — A viral Italian pasta dish with rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
Broccoli Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
Experience the comforting delight of Broccoli Chicken Casserole, where tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and gooey cheese come together in a creamy embrace. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, and its vibrant flavors will leave everyone asking for seconds. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s a true crowd-pleaser that combines nutrition with indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (lightly steamed for 2 minutes)
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove to a plate.
- Make Cheddar Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and broth, bring to a simmer, then whisk in 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine & Top with Cheese: Add seared chicken and steamed broccoli florets to the skillet. Toss until well coated. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted into golden brown spots.
- Rest & Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Mueller 10-in-1 Vegetable Chopper – Slice, Dice & Mince Effortlessly! 
