Chicken Broccoli Casserole
This classic Chicken Broccoli Casserole delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort. It features tender shredded chicken, crisp-tender broccoli florets, and fluffy white rice, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made with condensed soup, sour cream, and mayonnaise, brightened by lemon juice. Topped with plenty of sharp Cheddar cheese, it's baked until bubbly and golden, creating a satisfying and easy family-friendly meal perfect for any weeknight.
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish Essential for casserole assembly and baking.
- 1 Large Pot For boiling chicken breasts.
- 1 Medium Pot For boiling broccoli florets.
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl For combining the creamy sauce ingredients.
- 1 Box Grater For freshly grating Cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Main
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter for the baking dish
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium head broccoli cut into small florets
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- One 10-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 10 ounces Cheddar grated (about 2 1/2 cups)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
- Place the chicken in a large pot with water to cover. Add some salt, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook the chicken until tender, about 45 minutes. Drain the chicken, cover, and refrigerate until cool, or up to 24 hours. Shred.
- Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets, and boil until crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Spread the rice in an even layer in the baking dish. Make a second layer with the broccoli. In a large bowl, mix the chicken soup, the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, shredded chicken, half the Cheddar and some salt and pepper. Pour the mixture over the broccoli and top with the remaining Cheddar. Bake for 40 minutes; let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For exceptionally tender and flavorful chicken, consider gently poaching the breasts rather than a vigorous boil; this helps maintain moisture. Ensure the chicken is completely cool before shredding; this makes the process much easier and cleaner. When cooking broccoli, aim for 'crisp-tender' – it will continue to cook slightly in the oven. Always use freshly grated Cheddar for superior melt and flavor compared to pre-shredded. To elevate the casserole, a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder can add depth to the sauce. For a textural contrast, a sprinkle of buttered breadcrumbs on top during the last 10 minutes of baking provides a delightful crisp crust.