Chicken and Broccoli Casserole (8×8 Pan Recipe)

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a warm, creamy casserole fresh out of the oven. Whether you need an easy weeknight dinner, a dish to meal prep, or a cozy meal for a smaller household, this Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is the perfect solution. It’s hearty, packed with protein and vegetables, and fits perfectly in an 8×8-inch pan, making it ideal for small families or couples.

With tender chicken, crisp broccoli, a creamy sauce, and a golden, cheesy topping, this dish delivers both nutrition and indulgence in every bite. Plus, it’s easy to make and freezer-friendly, making it a great addition to your meal rotation.

Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious Chicken and Broccoli Casserole recipe!

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 1½ cups frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1½ cups cooked rice (white or brown) or 1 cup cooked pasta (optional)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups milk (whole, 2%, or a dairy-free alternative)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until soft and translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
5. Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
6. Add salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and Dijon mustard (if using). Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and cooked rice (or pasta, if using).
2. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
3. Transfer the mixture into the 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix together breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers), melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
3. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

✅ Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great option. Just shred it and add it to the casserole for an easy shortcut.

✅ Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: Fresh broccoli provides a nice bite, but frozen works just as well. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture before adding it to the casserole to prevent it from becoming watery.

✅ Customize Your Add-Ins: Want to add extra veggies? Sautéed mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers make great additions.

✅ Make It Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.

✅ Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy-free milk, use a dairy-free cheese alternative, and swap the sour cream for a plant-based yogurt to make this recipe dairy-free.

✅ Meal Prep and Freezer Friendly: This casserole is great for meal prep. Assemble it ahead of time, cover, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. To freeze, cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, cook directly from frozen at 375°F for about 40 minutes.

What to Serve with Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

Side Salad – A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette or ranch dressing balances the richness of the casserole.

Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls – A warm, crusty bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.

Wine Pairing – A lightly oaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy flavors beautifully.

Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado pairs surprisingly well with the cheesy, savory casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Small Households: This 8×8-inch pan recipe makes about 4 servings, making it ideal for small families, couples, or meal prep.

Balanced and Nutritious: With lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and whole grains from rice or pasta, this dish is both hearty and wholesome.

Quick and Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal in no time.

Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Even picky eaters love the creamy texture and cheesy topping!

This Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and crispy flavors, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or freezing it for later, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Try this recipe and let us know how it turns out! Enjoy your homemade Chicken and Broccoli Casserole!