Warm, cheesy, and comforting – that's exactly what you get with this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe. It's one of those meals that instantly feels like a cozy hug after a busy day, loaded with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and gooey melted cheese nestled in a creamy sauce. Trust me, it’s well worth making when you want both ease and flavor on your dinner table.

A close-up view of a pasta bake in a clear glass rectangular dish, filled with three main layers visible: creamy light orange cheese sauce mixed with pale yellow spiral rotini pasta swirled with pieces of light beige chicken and bright green broccoli florets, topped with scattered small chopped parsley leaves. A wooden spoon lifts a portion showing a thick, saucy, and mixed texture. The dish rests on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this cheesy chicken broccoli casserole countless times, and it never gets old. The balance of flavors and textures, combined with how simple it is to pull together, makes it a permanent go-to. Plus, it travels well for leftovers, which means bonus meals for you.

Comfort Food Classic: The creamy cheese sauce with tender chicken and broccoli is pure comfort in every bite.
Quick Weeknight Friendly: Ready in about 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings without sacrificing flavor.
Kid-Approved: The familiar cheesy pasta makes it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Versatile: You can easily swap ingredients or add your twist to suit your taste and pantry staples.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This casserole relies on simple, approachable ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a part in creating that creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dinner your family will ask for again and again.

Flat lay of a small mound of uncooked rotini pasta spirals, a handful of fresh broccoli florets, a few tablespoons of unsalted butter resting on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of chopped yellow onion, a small white bowl filled with all-purpose flour, a small white bowl containing low sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl with whole milk, a small white bowl with dried Italian seasoning, a small white bowl with garlic powder, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of black pepper, a pile of chopped cooked chicken breast on a white ceramic plate, and a small white bowl filled with shredded cheddar cheese, all arranged symmetrically and proportionally, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Rotini pasta: The spiral shape holds sauce perfectly, making every bite flavorful.
Broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, slightly crunchy texture and a pop of color that's a welcomed contrast to the creaminess.
Unsalted butter: For a rich base when cooking the onions and making the sauce.
Yellow onion: Gives a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the homemade cream sauce, ensuring it's luscious but not gluey.
Chicken broth: Adds umami and layers of flavor to the sauce.
Whole milk: Provides creaminess and richness to the sauce's texture.
Italian seasoning: Brings in aromatic herbs that brighten the casserole.
Garlic powder: Enhances savory notes without overpowering other flavors.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing the flavors perfectly.
Cooked chicken breast: Protein-packed and tender, making the dish hearty and satisfying.
Cheddar cheese: Half gets mixed inside for melty goodness, and the rest tops the dish for that irresistible golden crust.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often swap in different cheeses or veggies depending on what’s in the fridge. Feel free to make it truly your own!

Variation: I sometimes use mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a milder or spicier twist; both melt wonderfully.
Veggie Swap: Instead of broccoli, I’ve tried cauliflower or green beans – both add a nice texture and flavor dimension.
Health Boost: For a lighter version, swap whole milk for 2% or use Greek yogurt stirred in after baking for creaminess.
Make it Gluten-Free: Using gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend works great if you need to avoid gluten.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

The image shows a large silver pot with four main sections of food inside. The first section has green broccoli florets mixed with light beige spiral pasta. The second section is a pile of shredded orange-yellow cheese. The third section contains pieces of light beige cooked meat. The fourth section has a creamy white sauce with visible herbs. A wooden spoon with a red silicone head rests partially in the sauce section. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with more shredded cheese on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli Just Right

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions until it’s just al dente. About two minutes before draining, toss the broccoli florets in too. This way, the broccoli steams and softens without turning mushy. Drain everything and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking—this keeps the broccoli bright green and the pasta from sticking.

Step 2: Build Your Cream Sauce Base

While the pasta and broccoli cook, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and fragrant—around 4 to 5 minutes. Then sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir continuously for about 30 seconds; this step cooks off the raw flour taste which is crucial for a smooth sauce.

Step 3: Whisk in Liquids and Seasonings

Slowly whisk in chicken broth and whole milk until combined and smooth. Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking as the sauce thickens over the next 3 to 5 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon—if it’s too thin, cook a little longer; if too thick, add a splash more broth or milk.

Step 4: Combine Everything and Bake

Remove the sauce from heat, then stir in the cooked chicken, pasta, broccoli, and half the shredded cheddar cheese. Spread this mixture evenly in a 13x9-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Top Tip

After many attempts at perfecting this recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that guarantee success and make the process smoother and more flavorful.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente because it will continue to cook in the oven, preventing mushy noodles.
Cold Water Rinse: Rinsing pasta and broccoli right after cooking helps maintain bright color and keeps them from sticking together.
Whisk, Don’t Stir: Using a whisk when making the sauce helps avoid lumps and ensures a silky texture.
Cover During Baking: Keeps moisture inside so the casserole stays creamy, then removing foil at the end lets the cheese brown beautifully.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top right after baking — it gives the dish a fresh pop of color and brightness that contrasts perfectly with the cheesy richness.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette or some buttery garlic bread to round out the meal. Roasted carrots or a simple cucumber salad also work well if you want to add a crunchy, refreshing element.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked the casserole in smaller ramekins for individual portions—and topped each with a sprinkle of paprika and fresh thyme for a restaurant-style presentation. It makes the meal feel extra special and fun to serve!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store mine in an airtight container and reheat portions gently in the microwave or oven to keep the casserole creamy and cheesy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a few times by assembling it but skipping the final bake. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed the next day. It reheats beautifully, though fresh-baked tastes best for texture.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. If microwaving, cover loosely and heat in bursts, stirring in between to avoid drying out the edges.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain it well before adding to prevent excess water in the casserole. Adjust cooking times slightly as frozen broccoli tends to cook faster.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?

Roasted or poached chicken breast works best — it stays tender and moist. Leftover rotisserie chicken is also a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free or vegan?

You can try using plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives, but be mindful the texture and flavor may differ. For vegan, swap chicken with plant proteins like chickpeas or tofu.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Rinsing the pasta and broccoli in cold water helps stop further cooking and remove excess starch. Also, make sure to use the right amount of liquid in your sauce and avoid overcooking. Cover during baking to retain moisture, then uncover to brown the top.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe really feels like a little celebration of simple, homemade goodness. I hope you find yourself making it several times, tweaking it to your taste, and enjoying those cozy family meals that linger fondly in memory. Give it a try soon—you’ll be glad you did!