A 30-minute chicken and broccoli casserole is the kind of recipe that stands the test of time. There is a reason some recipes have been around for nearly a century. They’re classic, foolproof, and most of all, delicious! Such is the case with chicken and broccoli casserole. Is there anyone who HASN’T eaten it?
The beauty of this version is that you can assemble and cook it in just 30 minutes. It’s also budget-friendly, freezable, and makes a thoughtful gift for a friend. I got the original recipe from Spend With Pennies but tweaked it a bit to suit my own taste.
How to Make a 30-Minute Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
If you’re looking for a quick dinner that’s comforting and family-approved, this 30-minute chicken and broccoli casserole is the answer. It’s simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, cut up 3 cups of cooked chicken into bite-sized cubes. You can use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store to save time, or you can grill your own chicken. I usually opt for the outside grill if there is good weather. If not, I flatten chicken breasts with a meat mallet, season each side with salt and pepper, and then cook on the stovetop in a tablespoon or two of oil. 5 to 6 minutes on each side usually does the trick.
Step 2: Prep the Broccoli
Meanwhile, heat the oven to 400 degrees. Then, cut up two large heads of broccoli into bite-sized pieces. It should equal about 3 cups, more or less. Place these in a large pot of boiling water for about 2 to 3 minutes, and then remove them just when they are becoming tender.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
Then, in a medium-sized bowl, mix together 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of 2% milk, and 2/3 cup of light sour cream. You will also need a can of cream of chicken soup. I always buy the MSG-free cream of chicken soup because of my allergy to the preservative. You can also use your own cream sauce if you prefer. Toss in 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, freshly ground pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of Kosher salt. Whisk this combination together until it is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Once the broccoli is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, it’s time to bring everything together. Add both the broccoli and chicken into the creamy sauce mixture you prepared earlier. Gently stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the luscious sauce. This step ensures every bite of your 30-minute chicken and broccoli casserole is packed with flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
To assemble your 30-minute chicken and broccoli casserole, pour the creamy mixture into a 13×9 glass pan or other similar baking dish. Use a spatula to evenly spread out the mixture, making sure it’s smooth on top. For that irresistible cheesy finish, sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This will create a golden, gooey topping once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your casserole dish into the oven, preheated to 400 degrees. Let it bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese on top is fully melted and begins to bubble at the edges. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Your 30-minute chicken and broccoli casserole is now ready to enjoy!
A Few Extras to Complete Your Meal
The 30-minute chicken and broccoli casserole is delicious as is, but lots of people like to serve it over rice or noodles.
30-minute meals seem to be my go-to dinners these days, especially as my kids get older and are involved in more activities. Some other easy dinners I find myself making all the time are 30-minute black bean fajitas, spicy shrimp fried rice, and the super quick 10-minute french onion roast beef sandwiches. If you need even more ideas, check out my recipe index or my full lineup of Crockpot meals.
If this dinner interests you, pin this image for later. You can also find more delicious meals on my Pinterest boards below. Happy cooking, y’all!
