I love cheesy pasta in all forms, including macaroni and cheese, and broccoli mac and cheese. This recipe takes it a step further, adding chicken into the mix to create a one-pan meal that has everything included. This is a kid-friendly dish that adults enjoy too. What’s not to like about a creamy and cheesy chicken casserole with tender broccoli florets? I rarely have leftovers when I make this, but when I do, they make a perfect lunch for the next day. If you like this recipe, be sure to try my Broccoli Casserole too. It’s the perfect creamy veggie side dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is another easy chicken casserole that you should try next. My next favorite is a toss-up between Chicken Tater Tot Casserole and Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. There are so many delicious casseroles for you to try!
Key Ingredients
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Pasta: You’ll need 8 ounces of pasta. You can use your favorite shape, but I like to use rotini since it holds on to all of the delicious cheesy sauce so well. Broccoli: This is a broccoli chicken casserole, so broccoli is kind of a requirement. Fresh broccoli, cut into small florets, will cook in the same pot as the pasta. That’s one of my favorite time-saving cooking tricks! Chicken: Cooked Chicken is needed for this recipe. You can use leftovers, or you can learn how to boil chicken for recipes or how to make crockpot shredded chicken so you can always make your favorite chicken casseroles. Creamy Sauce: The easy homemade sauce for this casserole is made using butter, onion, garlic, chicken stock, milk, and seasonings. A bit of flour is used to thicken the mixture to the perfect creamy consistency. Cheese: This casserole is so cheesy and good! 2 ½ cups of cheese total are needed, I used a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. The two go so well together. You can also use just cheddar cheese, or add in your favorite types.
How to Make Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Recipe Tips
Add More Flavor: This broccoli chicken casserole is minimally seasoned, which makes it perfect for small kids and otherwise picky eaters. However, you can feel free to add more seasonings if you like. Italian seasoning is a delicious way to make anything more flavorful, and a pinch of red pepper flakes would add just the right amount of kick. Want a Crunchy Topping? Add a layer of homemade Crispy Onions or crushed Ritz crackers before baking! Change up the protein: This recipe works with any cooked protein. Try shredded beef, leftover roast turkey, or vegan meat replacements. Make Ahead: You can assemble Broccoli Chicken Casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 48 hours before you plan to bake it. When ready to make dinner, bake as directed, but add 15 minutes to the time so that it can warm all the way through. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you may want to add a splash of milk to make it creamy again before serving. To Store: Leftovers of this recipe make the perfect lunch the next day! Store cooked casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave.
What to Serve with Broccoli Chicken Casserole
The best thing about casseroles is that they are an entire meal all by themselves! This recipe has carbs, veggies, and meat built right in. All you need is a salad or another vegetable side dish to fill everyone’s plates. Try making a simple tossed green salad or a copycat Olive Garden Salad. Take this dish to a potluck, along with Cranberry Fluff Salad, Walking Taco Casserole, or an always enjoyed Fruit Pizza.
More Tasty Homemade Casseroles to Make
If you need to make a dish to share, I’ve got you covered! Try one of these delicious bakes:
Sloppy Joe Casserole Tater Tot Casserole Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Chicken Stuffing Casserole Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole Tuna Casserole John Wayne Casserole Pizza Casserole
A hearty and filling casserole meal that the whole family will devour will be ready in under a half-hour with this simple recipe! Be sure to save it for later. © Little Sunny Kitchen
