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Creamy Homestyle Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Our creamy, comforting chicken broccoli casserole combines tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a golden, zesty sauce that will leave your family asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love this Classic Chicken Broccoli Casserole
When you’re craving comfort food that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole becomes your perfect dinnertime ally.
I’m absolutely smitten with how the tender chicken pieces nestle between vibrant broccoli florets, all blanketed in that luxuriously creamy sauce that bubbles to golden perfection.
What makes this recipe truly special? It’s the harmonious balance of convenience and comfort—using frozen broccoli and canned soup while still delivering homemade flavor.
The subtle tang from 4 teaspoons of lemon juice brightens everything up, cutting through the richness of mayonnaise and cream of chicken soup.
Pure dinnertime magic!
What Ingredients are in Classic Chicken Broccoli Casserole?
This creamy, comforting casserole relies on a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly magical. The combination might seem basic at first glance, but there’s a reason this dish has stood the test of time in family kitchens everywhere.
When these ingredients meld together during baking, they transform into a bubbling, golden dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- 2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped broccoli
- 3 cooked chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cans (10½ ounces each) cream of chicken soup, undiluted
- ½ soup can of milk
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 teaspoons lemon juice
What I love about this ingredient list is how adaptable it can be to what you have on hand. No frozen broccoli? Fresh works beautifully too, just blanch it first.
The chicken breasts can be substituted with rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep time. And while traditional mayonnaise gives this dish its signature richness, you could experiment with light mayo or even Greek yogurt if you’re looking to lighten things up a bit.
The lemon juice is non-negotiable though—that bright pop of acidity balances the creaminess perfectly and elevates the entire dish.
How to Make this Classic Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Making this creamy chicken broccoli casserole couldn’t be simpler, and it delivers comfort food at its finest. Start by arranging 2 packages (10 ounces each) of frozen chopped broccoli in a single layer at the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. No need to thaw it first—the oven will take care of that.
Then place your 3 cooked chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, evenly over the broccoli layer. This creates the foundation of your casserole, with protein and veggies ready to soak up all that creamy goodness.
Now for the decadent sauce that brings everything together. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cans (10½ ounces each) of undiluted cream of chicken soup with ½ can of milk measured in one of those empty soup cans—genius kitchen hack, right?
Add 1 cup of mayonnaise for richness and 4 teaspoons of lemon juice, which cuts through the creaminess with a subtle tang. Whisk everything until smooth, then pour this velvety mixture over your chicken and broccoli. The sauce will seep down between all those nooks and crannies, promising flavor in every bite.
For even better results, consider preparing this casserole in a premium Dutch oven that distributes heat evenly throughout the dish.
Pop the whole dish into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly around the edges. The aroma that fills your kitchen? Worth the wait alone.
Classic Chicken Broccoli Casserole Substitutions and Variations
While the traditional recipe creates pure comfort food magic, let’s explore how you can customize this casserole to fit your pantry contents or dietary preferences.
You can swap frozen broccoli for fresh (about 6 cups, blanched), or try cauliflower for a different flavor profile. Not a mayo fan? Greek yogurt offers a tangy, protein-rich alternative.
For dairy-free needs, unsweetened almond milk works beautifully with dairy-free cream soup. I’m particularly fond of adding 1 cup of shredded cheddar to the sauce mixture for extra gooeyness, or sprinkling ½ cup breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter on top for a satisfying crunch!
What to Serve with Classic Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Though our creamy chicken broccoli casserole stands perfectly well on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can transform this comfort food into a complete, well-rounded meal.
I’m partial to serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette that cuts through the richness of the casserole. Warm, crusty French bread makes an excellent vehicle for sopping up that luscious sauce—don’t let it go to waste!
For starchier options, consider buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or even some al dente pasta.
A side of roasted carrots or sautéed green beans adds beautiful color contrast and nutritional balance.
Final Thoughts
After enjoying this creamy chicken broccoli casserole countless times in my kitchen, I’m convinced it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
The magic lies in its simplicity—tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and that irresistible creamy sauce that brings everything together.
What I love most is how adaptable this dish can be. Don’t have frozen broccoli? Fresh works beautifully.
Want to add a crunchy topping? Sprinkle some buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.
The combination of lemon juice and mayonnaise creates such a wonderful tanginess that complements the rich, comforting elements perfectly.
