Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
	
	
		A comforting and creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole featuring tender chicken breast and nutritious broccoli florets baked in a rich blend of cream soups, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or potluck gathering.
	 
	
		
							- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
 
	
		
		
			Chicken
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 2–12.6 ounce bags frozen baby broccoli florets
Sauce
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Topping
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- ¼ cup butter, melted
 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. When the oil is hot, add the chicken without overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Microwave the frozen broccoli florets according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them well to remove any excess moisture which can affect the casserole texture.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well blended.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked chicken pieces and steamed broccoli into the soup mixture until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Add Cheese and Cracker Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, then top with the buttered cracker crumbs for a crunchy, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- To reduce moisture in the casserole, ensure the broccoli is well drained after microwaving.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and slightly less fat.
- For added nutrition, consider mixing in some diced onions or mushrooms with the chicken.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Using fresh broccoli instead of frozen will require blanching before adding to the casserole.
 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
 
	
		Keywords: chicken broccoli casserole, creamy chicken casserole, cheesy broccoli bake, easy chicken dinner, comfort food casserole