If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole: a Comforting and Nutritious Meal
45 minutes
6 servings. Creamy, cheesy, and brimming with tender veggies and juicy chicken, this casserole is the hero of busy weeknights and family gatherings alike. Ready in just 45 minutes and serving six, it’s the perfect way to sneak in veggies without sacrificing flavor or comfort. Trust me, this is one dish you’ll want to add to your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet each one brings its own magic to the table. These are your everyday staples, but each plays a key role in building flavor, texture, and that signature comforting color we all crave in a casserole.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded chicken adds heartiness and protein, making this dish satisfying for everyone at the table.
- Fresh broccoli: Chopped broccoli lends vibrant color, a tender bite, and loads of nutrients to every serving.
- Cream of mushroom soup: This creates the creamy base—opt for a lighter version if you want to keep things a bit healthier.
- Mayonnaise: Just a touch adds richness and keeps the casserole moist without overpowering the flavors.
- Milk: Helps make the sauce smooth and creamy, binding everything together beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp cheddar brings cheesy goodness and a gorgeous golden top.
- Breadcrumbs: The perfect crunchy topping for a delightful contrast to the creamy filling.
- Butter: Melted and mixed with the breadcrumbs, butter gives that irresistible, golden-brown finish.
How to Make nd Nutritious Meal
45 minutes
6 servings
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole will bake evenly and develop that bubbly, golden top we all love. A properly heated oven is the first step to casserole perfection for your nd Nutritious Meal
45 minutes
6 servings.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the broccoli is evenly coated and the mixture looks creamy and delicious. This hearty filling is what makes nd Nutritious Meal
45 minutes
6 servings so satisfying.
Step 3: Layer in the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (just a quick spritz or swipe of oil or butter will do). Spread your chicken and broccoli mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing out the top so it bakes up uniformly.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. This step is key for achieving that signature crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling below.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown and crisp. The aroma filling your kitchen is a sure sign that nd Nutritious Meal
45 minutes
6 servings is almost ready to enjoy!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes serving easier. Scoop generous portions onto plates and watch your crew dig in with big smiles—because nothing beats a homemade nd Nutritious Meal
45 minutes
6 servings!
How to Serve nd Nutritious Meal
45 minutes
6 servings
Garnishes
To add freshness and a pop of color, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions over the top just before serving. A light dusting of extra cheddar is never a bad idea either! These little touches elevate your nd Nutritious Meal
45 minutes
6 servings and make it feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to shine on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a loaf of crusty whole-grain bread really rounds out the meal. For something lighter, try steamed green beans or roasted carrots. Each side complements the flavors and transforms your nd Nutritious Meal
45 minutes
6 servings into a true feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop individual servings into ramekins before baking for personal-sized casseroles. Or, serve spoonfuls over brown rice or quinoa for extra wholesomeness. However you plate it, this nd Nutritious Meal
45 minutes
6 servings brings comfort and style to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps beautifully! Transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together overnight, making your next-day nd Nutritious Meal
45 minutes
6 servings just as tasty as the first time around.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover tightly and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. You can also freeze cooked leftovers—just let them cool first and store in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 15–20 minutes). For individual servings, a quick zap in the microwave works wonders. Either way, your nd Nutritious Meal
45 minutes
6 servings will be just as comforting and delicious the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds wonderful flavor. Just shred the meat and use it as your base for nd Nutritious Meal
45 minutes
6 servings.
Can I substitute frozen broccoli for fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw and drain it before mixing in to prevent excess moisture in your casserole. This keeps your nd Nutritious Meal
45 minutes
6 servings perfectly creamy.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer, swap in cream of chicken or cream of celery soup, or make your own lighter homemade version using low-fat milk and sautéed mushrooms for a fresh twist on nd Nutritious Meal
45 minutes
6 servings.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Definitely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your soup is gluten-free. The rest of the nd Nutritious Meal
45 minutes
6 servings ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add extra veggies?
Of course! Stir in chopped bell peppers, peas, or carrots for even more color and nutrition. The base recipe for nd Nutritious Meal
45 minutes
6 servings is super versatile—make it your own!
Final Thoughts
This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole truly delivers on comfort, flavor, and nutrition. It’s a trusty nd Nutritious Meal
45 minutes
6 servings you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for busy nights, potlucks, or whenever you need something hearty and homemade. Give it a try soon—I promise it’ll become a family favorite!
nd Nutritious Meal 45 minutes 6 servings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a comforting and nutritious meal combining tender shredded chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheesy sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer. Perfect for a wholesome family dinner, this casserole offers a balanced blend of protein, vegetables, and flavor with a lighter twist.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups fresh broccoli, chopped
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (use lighter version if preferred)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese, making sure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring a uniform layer for even cooking.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the breadcrumbs are well coated. This will create a golden, crispy topping.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy your nutritious and comforting casserole!
Notes
- To make this recipe lighter, choose a low-fat or reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup and mayonnaise.
- Fresh broccoli provides the best texture, but frozen broccoli can be used; just be sure to thaw and drain well before mixing.
- If you prefer, substitute shredded cheddar cheese with a lower-fat cheese or a cheese alternative to reduce calories.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
