Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole
This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole is a cozy, hearty baked dinner made with tender chicken breasts, broccoli, and a creamy cheddar sauce. Everything bakes together into a rich, comforting casserole with golden melted cheese on top. It’s simple, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying without a lot of extra steps.
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 604kcal
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided
Cheese Sauce & Broccoli
- 1 medium white onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 4 to 5 cups fresh broccoli florets, or 16 ounces frozen broccoli, thawed and well drained
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly, pressing the seasoning into the meat.
- Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge each chicken breast, coating all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter. Add the chicken (working in batches if needed) and cook for about 4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, until softened.
- Add the broccoli and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to soften.
- Stir in the cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the broccoli cheese sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the sauce can settle. Spoon extra sauce over each serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1portion | Calories: 604kcal