Amazing 10-Min Chicken Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole

If you’re anything like me, your weeknights need a secret weapon—something warm, cheesy, and ready before you even realize you’re hungry. That’s why I’m showing you how to make the ultimate Chicken Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole (Allrecipes) today. Hello there! I’m Anna Kowalska, and here I share tried-and-true homemade recipes that you and your family will love. Everything I put on this blog is made with heart and flavor, rooted in the traditions of good, honest cooking. I grew up watching my aunts manage busy family dinners with just a few simple pans, and that’s the kind of easy magic I want to bring to your table. This baked chicken recipe is the definition of comfort food!

Why You Will Love This Chicken Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole (Allrecipes)

Seriously, this casserole is the weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed. Forget complicated steps or fancy ingredients. This recipe takes minimal effort but delivers maximum cozy flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone ask for seconds—and you get to tell them it took almost no time at all!

Here’s the rundown on why this is going straight into your regular rotation:

• It only takes about 10 minutes of actual work to get it into the oven.
• The combination of creamy soup, sharp cheddar, and tender chicken is pure nostalgia.
• It’s incredibly forgiving—you can toss in a little extra broccoli if you have some hanging around.
• The buttery breadcrumb topping gives you that perfect crunch against the creamy middle.
• It’s a complete meal in one baking dish, which means less cleanup later!

Quick Preparation Time

I mean it when I say 10 minutes! You’re just stirring things together in one bowl. Preheat the oven, mix your cooked chicken, broccoli, the two cans of soup, sour cream, and a cup of that glorious cheese. That’s it for the base. Since we’re using pre-cooked chicken, there’s no chopping or searing involved. It’s assembly, pure and simple.

Comfort Food Appeal

This is where the magic happens. When you pull this Chicken Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole (Allrecipes) out, it’s bubbling hot and smells incredible. That sour cream mixed with the cream of chicken soup creates a velvety sauce that hugs every piece of chicken and broccoli. And that cheese? It melts down into the mixture, making every single spoonful deeply satisfying. It just screams “home” to me.

Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole (Allrecipes)

Okay, let’s talk about what goes into this wonderful cheesy bake. When it comes to a simple casserole like this, the quality of your base ingredients really shines through, especially since there isn’t a lot of complicated seasoning happening. Remember, we want this to be easy, but that doesn’t mean we skip out on making sure everything is ready to go. I always lay out everything I need before I even turn the oven on. It saves me from realizing halfway through that I forgot to melt the butter!

Ingredient Clarity and Measurement

Because this is such a straightforward recipe, the prep for each item is key. You absolutely must use cooked, shredded chicken—rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon here! Your broccoli needs to be cooked and chopped; raw broccoli won’t soften enough in the short baking time. Also, make sure your butter is melted before you mix it with the bread crumbs for that perfect, crunchy crust. Pay attention to the cheese measurement too; that extra cheese layered on top is non-negotiable for that golden finish!

Ingredient	Amount
Cooked Shredded Chicken	3 cups
Cooked, Chopped Broccoli	2 cups
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup	2 (10.5-oz) cans
Sour Cream	½ cup
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Total)	2½ cups
Bread Crumbs	1½ cups
Melted Butter	¼ cup
Black Pepper	To Taste

Gathering Your Equipment for the Chicken Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole (Allrecipes)

You don’t need a whole arsenal of fancy gadgets for this easy weeknight dinner, which is part of why I love it so much! We rely on a couple of sturdy workhorses here. First, grab a large mixing bowl—you need space to toss everything without spilling soup everywhere. Don’t forget a smaller bowl for the topping.

The most important piece is your baking vessel. I usually grab a standard 9×13 inch casserole dish. Make sure it’s oven-safe, of course! You’ll also need measuring cups and spoons, naturally, and a rubber spatula to scrape every last bit of that cheesy mixture into the dish. Simple tools, amazing results!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Chicken Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole (Allrecipes)

Now that we’ve got all our ingredients lined up, let’s get this amazing Chicken Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole (Allrecipes) assembled! Because we’re using pre-cooked components, this is mostly a stirring and layering job, which is my favorite kind of cooking. First things first—we need heat! Make sure your oven is set to 375°F. Get that dish ready, too, whether you grease it lightly or not, it’s better to have it done before the mixing starts.

Preparing the Base Mixture

Time to grab that big mixing bowl. You’re going to start by combining all the heavy hitters for the creamy core. Dump in your 3 cups of cooked shredded chicken and the 2 cups of cooked, chopped broccoli. Next come the liquids: both cans of condensed cream of chicken soup and the half-cup of sour cream. Give that a good stir until everything is mostly incorporated. Don’t worry if it looks a little thick; that’s what we want! Now, here’s where the first bit of cheese goes in: stir in 1 cup of the shredded Cheddar cheese right into this chicken mixture, along with plenty of fresh black pepper. Taste it right there—it should already taste like comfort food!

Assembling and Layering the Casserole

Once your base is mixed well, it’s time to transfer it to your prepared baking dish. Spread that creamy mixture out evenly across the bottom. Don’t press it down too hard; we want it to stay light. Now, take the remaining 1½ cups of Cheddar cheese and sprinkle it generously right over the top of that chicken and broccoli layer. This layer melts down slightly while baking, creating that wonderful cheesy barrier between the base and the crust.

Creating and Applying the Buttery Crumb Topping

This topping is what takes this casserole from good to absolutely legendary. In that smaller bowl, put your 1½ cups of bread crumbs. Pour that melted butter right over them. Use a fork or your clean fingers to toss it all together until the crumbs are evenly moistened. They should look like wet sand, not soggy mush! Sprinkle this buttery bread crumb topping evenly across the top of the layered cheese. Try to get good coverage across the whole surface so every serving gets that golden crunch.

Baking to Golden Perfection

The dish is assembled and ready for the oven! Slide it carefully onto the middle rack at 375°F. You’re looking for a baking time between 30 and 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are visibly bubbly—you can hear it simmering away—and that breadcrumb topping has turned a deep, beautiful golden brown. If the top looks done but the center isn’t hot, just tent it loosely with foil for a few more minutes. Let it rest for about 5 minutes after it comes out so it sets up nicely before you scoop out those first satisfying servings!

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole (Allrecipes)

Even though this is a super easy recipe, a few little tricks can take your Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Casserole from good to something your family will request every single week. Trust me, I’ve made this probably a hundred times, trying out little tweaks here and there. The key is keeping the base flavorful while ensuring that topping stays perfectly crisp against the creamy center.

Don’t be afraid to play with the texture or the spices, but stick close to the core ingredients—especially that melted butter for the topping! Here are my favorite ways to elevate this classic comfort food.

Speeding Up Prep with Cooked Chicken

If you are making this on a Tuesday night, you simply must use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves you a ton of time, and honestly, those birds are already perfectly seasoned! Just pull the meat off the bone, shred it up quickly, and you’ve already knocked 20 minutes off your prep time. If you do cook your own chicken breasts, make sure you shred them while they are still warm; it’s much easier to pull apart then!

Flavor Additions for Depth

The recipe calls for just black pepper, which is fine, but if you want to add a little more punch without making it complicated, I always keep garlic powder handy. Just a quarter teaspoon mixed into the main chicken and soup base wakes everything up beautifully. Another great tip, especially if your broccoli was frozen, is to use a splash of onion powder too. It really enhances that savory flavor profile without requiring any extra chopping or cooking time.

Storing and Reheating Your Chicken Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole (Allrecipes)

So, you made an amazing Chicken Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole (Allrecipes) and now you have leftovers—lucky you! This cheesy casserole reheats beautifully, which is why it’s such a staple in my house. The key is making sure you store it properly right away to keep that creamy texture intact. Once it cools down a bit, cover your casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. If you have smaller portions left, move them into airtight containers. It’s best eaten within three to four days, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long at my house!

Reheating is super simple, and I always recommend the oven for the best results, though the microwave works in a pinch if you’re starving!

Method	Temperature/Time
Oven (Best Texture)	350°F for 15-20 minutes, covered
Microwave (Quickest)	Medium power in 60-second bursts, stirring halfway
Storage Time (Refrigerated)	Up to 4 days

Frequently Asked Questions About This Cheesy Casserole

I always get so many questions after I post a recipe for an easy weeknight dinner like this one! People want to know if they can swap things out or if they need to stick exactly to the script. Since this is a classic American comfort food, it’s pretty versatile, but there are a few things I always recommend keeping consistent for the best cheesy casserole experience.

Can I use fresh instead of frozen broccoli in this Chicken Casserole?

Yes, absolutely you can! The original recipe notes mention using frozen broccoli that has been thawed and drained, but fresh works just as well, maybe even better. If you use fresh, you need to make sure you cook it first. Don’t just toss raw florets in there! Steam or boil your fresh broccoli until it’s tender-crisp—you don’t want it mushy. Then chop it up and proceed exactly as written. If you skip cooking it, it will stay too hard after the 35-minute bake time.

What is the best way to serve this Chicken Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole?

This baked chicken recipe is a full meal on its own, packed with protein and veggies, but sometimes you want a little something extra on the side to round out the plate. I usually keep things simple when I make this easy weeknight dinner. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheese perfectly. If you want something warm, a side of crusty French bread is fantastic for soaking up any extra creamy sauce left in the dish. And if you have kids, sometimes serving it with a side of sliced tomatoes or crisp apple slices is a great way to add some freshness!

Share Your Experience with This Recipe

Now that you’ve tried this super simple, cheesy casserole, I’m dying to know what you thought! Did it save your weeknight dinner routine? Please take a moment to leave your rating below and tell me about your experience making the Chicken Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole (Allrecipes). All my best tips come from hearing what works for you in your kitchen!

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