Name: 5-Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: Chicken (2-3 cups, cooked and shredded or diced); Broccoli (4 cups, steamed or fresh); Creamy Soup Base (1 can, about 10.5 oz); Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups); Breadcrumbs or Cracker Crumbs (1 cup)

I absolutely love recipes like this 5-Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole—it’s the perfect balance of easy, comforting, and delicious.

There’s something magical about combining just a handful of simple ingredients and ending up with a meal that feels like a hug in every bite. With tender chicken, wholesome broccoli, creamy soup, gooey cheese, and a crispy topping, this casserole ticks all the boxes for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Table of Contents

How to make 5-Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole

5-Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a simple, comforting baked dish made with just five main ingredients. It’s a popular weeknight dinner because it’s easy to throw together, budget-friendly, and can be made ahead.

Ingredients

Chicken (2-3 cups, cooked and shredded or diced): For convenience, you can use cooked rotisserie chicken, boiled chicken, or leftover grilled chicken. The chicken is full of protein and serves as the base of the dish.
Broccoli (4 cups, steamed or fresh): Fresh broccoli works well, but frozen broccoli is a fantastic option. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before using.
Creamy Soup Base (1 can, about 10.5 oz): Cream of chicken, mushroom, or broccoli soup adds richness and creamy goodness to the casserole.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): Sharp cheddar is ideal for that melty, gooey texture, but you can substitute with a cheese blend or your favorite type of cheese.
Breadcrumbs or Cracker Crumbs (1 cup): This makes for a crunchy topping. You can use panko breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or even a mixture topped with melted butter.

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam it lightly until tender but still vibrant. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Cook the Chicken (if needed): If your chicken isn’t pre-cooked, quickly boil or bake it and shred/dice it into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, creamy soup, and 1 ½ cups of cheese. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
Add the Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers evenly over the casserole. For extra flavor, drizzle melted butter over the topping.
Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Let It Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few extra tips to make your dish even better:

What to serve with

When serving the 5-Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole, you’ll want to complement its creamy, cheesy, and hearty nature with side dishes that offer contrasting textures and flavors.

1. Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls

Why: The buttery and garlicky flavor of freshly baked bread pairs beautifully with the creamy 5-Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole casserole. It’s perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.

Tip: Brush slices of French bread with garlic butter and bake until golden, or serve soft dinner rolls warmed with a bit of butter.

2. Simple Green Salad

Why: A crisp salad with a bright vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole and adds a refreshing element to the meal.

Tip: Include a mix of leafy greens like romaine, spinach, or arugula, and toss with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a lemon vinaigrette.

3. Steamed or Roasted Vegetables

Why: Vegetables like carrots, green beans, or asparagus add color and complete the meal with their earthy taste and texture.

Tip: Lightly toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting until they are slightly caramelized and tender, or simply steam them until just cooked.

4. Rice Pilaf or Quinoa

Why: A grain side dish like rice or quinoa is a great way to absorb and complement the creamy elements of the 5-Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole.

Tip: For extra flavor, enhance rice or quinoa with sautéed onions, garlic, and a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

5. Mashed Potatoes

Why: Creamy mashed potatoes add comfort to the meal and blend harmoniously with the casserole’s creamy characteristics.

Tip: Make a classic mashed potato with butter and milk, or try a garlic-infused version for an extra layer of flavor.

6. Coleslaw

Why: A tangy coleslaw provides a nice contrast, offering a crunchy and slightly acidic balance to the dish.

Tip: Use shredded cabbage and carrots, and dress with a light vinaigrette or a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing, depending on preference.

7. Corn on the Cob

Why: Sweet corn is a delightful addition, giving a pop of sweetness that contrasts with the savory casserole.

Tip: Serve corn on the cob with a simple herb butter or sprinkle with chili lime seasoning for a kick.

8. Fruit Salad

Why: Fresh fruit offers a sweet and juicy palate cleanser amidst the rich flavors of the casserole.

Tip: Combine seasonal fruits like berries, melon, or citrus segments. A light drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of mint can elevate the dish further.

9. Pickled Vegetables

Why: Pickled vegetables add a tangy and crisp element, cutting through the richness effectively.

Tip: Offer a small dish of pickled cucumbers, radishes, or even pickled beets for guests to enjoy at their leisure.

10. Cheese and Crackers Board

Why: A small cheese and cracker board featuring different textures and flavors can accompany the casserole and provide an opportunity to explore additional flavors and textures.

Tip: Include a variety of cheeses, some fresh fruit like grapes, and an assortment of crackers or crispy breadsticks.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re making 5-Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole and need to substitute ingredients due to dietary restrictions, availability, or personal preferences, there are plenty of creative and practical options.

1. Chicken

The casserole typically calls for cooked, shredded chicken as the main protein. If you don’t have chicken or need alternatives, consider the following options:

Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, this pre-cooked option is great for convenience.
Turkey: Shredded or diced turkey works well, especially leftovers from holidays.
Ground Chicken or Turkey: Cook and crumble it for a slightly different texture but a similar flavor.
Vegetarian/Plant-Based Substitutes: For a vegetarian variation, use jackfruit, tofu, or a plant-based “chicken” substitute.
Beans or Lentils: Chickpeas or white beans (e.g., cannellini beans) can provide protein and substance for vegetarian or budget-friendly versions.

2. Broccoli

Broccoli is a key ingredient for its fresh, green flavor and nutritional value. If you’re out of broccoli or want to mix things up, try these substitutes:

Cauliflower: Provides a similar texture and mild flavor.
Asparagus: A slightly sweeter, more tender vegetable alternative.
Spinach: While softer, spinach adds nutrients and works well in a creamy casserole.
Zucchini or Squash: Sliced or chopped zucchini can mimic broccoli’s texture when cooked.
Mixed Vegetables: A frozen medley with carrots, peas, and corn can replace broccoli for added variety.

3. Cream of Chicken Soup

Cream of chicken soup is often used as the creamy base for the casserole, binding the ingredients together. For those with dietary restrictions or who prefer alternatives, here are some substitutes:

Cream of Mushroom Soup: Same consistency, with an earthy flavor twist.
Cream of Broccoli Soup: A vegetarian option that stays true to the broccoli theme.
Homemade Cream Sauce: Whisk together butter, flour, and chicken stock or vegetable broth, then add milk or cream to create a smooth sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Thick Greek Yogurt: Blend yogurt with a bit of chicken stock for a creamy consistency.
Cashew Cream (Vegan): Soak cashews, blend them into a creamy paste, and thin it out slightly for a rich vegan alternative.
Coconut Milk-Based Cream: Combine full-fat coconut milk with broth and seasoning for dairy-free richness.

4. Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese provides the casserole with its gooey, melty texture and sharp flavor. Substitutes include:

Other Cheese Varieties: For different flavor profiles, use Monterey Jack, Colby, Gouda, mozzarella, or even Swiss cheese.
Dairy-Free Cheese: Choose vegan cheese shreds or nutritional yeast for a plant-based option.
Parmesan or Pecorino Romano: While not as melty, these cheeses add a sharp, salty kick to the dish.
Cream Cheese: Blend with a bit of milk to create a creamy consistency similar to melted cheddar.

5. Rice

Some versions of 5-Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole include cooked rice as a base or filling ingredient. If rice isn’t available or preferred, here are substitutes:

Quinoa: A protein-packed alternative with a slightly nutty flavor.
Cauliflower Rice (Low-Carb): Grated or store-bought cauliflower rice is a great choice for keto or gluten-free adaptations.
Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or macaroni can replace rice for a more substantial casserole.
Couscous or Farro: Adds both texture and bulk to the dish.
Mashed Potatoes: Use as a starchy base instead of rice for a more comfort-food vibe.

Final Thoughts

This 5-Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole is proof that simple ingredients and minimal prep can lead to something truly delicious. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks, this dish is sure to become one of your go-to recipes.

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