Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

A Quick and Easy Family Dinner Made With Simple Ingredients

Some nights you just need supper to be easy. This Chicken Broccoli Casserole is one of those recipes you can turn to when you don't have much time but still want something warm, comforting, and homemade on the table.

It comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients and is especially handy when you have leftover chicken in the refrigerator. Don't have leftover chicken? No problem. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully, and cooked ham is another delicious option.

A Little Mayonnaise Nostalgia

This recipe calls for mayonnaise, which brings back a special food memory for me.

Years ago, the only mayonnaise my mom bought was Spin Blend. I remember still being able to buy it it in the early 2000s, but somewhere along the way, I could no longer find it. It had what I thought was the perfect blend of seasonings, and my mom and I used it on sandwiches, salads, and recipes that called for mayonnaise.

I recently discovered that The Silver Palate bought Spin Blend, but it isn't sold nationwide. And the price certainly reflects how limited the supply is. On their website, a 32-ounce jar is $13.74, while Amazon lists it for $23.99.

For me, that's just too much to pay for a jar of mayonnaise.

And honestly, there's another reason I don't want to buy it. Ingredients change, and when ingredients change, flavors can change too. I'd rather hold on to the good memories of my mom and me making delicious salads and meals with the Spin Blend we remember.

Regular mayonnaise works perfectly well in this casserole, so there's no need to spend a small fortune trying to recreate those memories.

Ingredients:

2 (10-ounce) packages frozen broccoli
2 to 3 c. cooked chicken, diced, cubed, or shredded
1 onion, sliced into thin half-moon slices
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
Black pepper, to taste

Directions:

Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish.

Thaw the frozen broccoli and drain it well. Arrange the broccoli evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Layer the cooked chicken evenly over the broccoli. Scatter the sliced onion over the chicken.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Season with black pepper to taste.

Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken, onion, and broccoli.

Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is lightly browned.

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Serve and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli Casserole:

• Drain the broccoli well. Frozen broccoli can release quite a bit of water as it cooks. Thawing and draining it first helps prevent a watery casserole.
• Use leftover chicken. This is a great way to turn leftover roasted or baked chicken into a completely different meal.
• Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Remove the skin and bones, shred or chop the meat, and you're ready to go.
• Don't overbake. Once the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is lightly browned, it's ready.
• Shred your own cheese if possible. Freshly shredded Cheddar melts especially well in casseroles.
• Let it rest before serving. Those few minutes give the creamy sauce a chance to settle and make the casserole easier to serve.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Try different cheese:  Cheddar is classic, but you can use Monterey Jack, Colby, Colby Jack, or a Cheddar blend.
• Add more vegetables:  Sliced mushrooms, peas, cauliflower, or carrots can be added along with the broccoli.
• Use fresh broccoli:  Fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen. Cut it into small florets and lightly steam it before assembling the casserole.
• Change the soup:  If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use two cans of cream of chicken soup instead. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
• Add a little crunch:  For a crunchy topping, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese before baking.

Serving Suggestions:

This casserole is filling enough to be the main dish, but it's especially good served with a simple side.

Try serving it with:

• Dinner rolls or crusty bread
• A simple green salad
• Fresh fruit
• Mashed or roasted potatoes
• Green beans
• A light cucumber salad

It's also a great recipe for those busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

How to Store:

Refrigerator:  Allow the casserole to cool, then cover it tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezer:  For longer storage, place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. For the best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:  Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through. You can also reheat the casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this casserole?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is an easy substitute for leftover chicken. Simply remove the skin and bones and shred or chop enough meat to make 2 to 3 cups.

Can I use ham instead of chicken?
Yes. Cooked ham works very well in this recipe and gives the casserole a slightly different flavor. It's an especially good way to use leftover ham.

Do I have to thaw the frozen broccoli first?
For the best results, yes. Thaw the broccoli and drain it well before adding it to the casserole. This helps keep excess water from making the sauce runny.

Can I use fresh broccoli?
Yes. Cut fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets and lightly steam it before assembling the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Because the casserole will be cold when it goes into the oven, you may need to add a little extra baking time.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Definitely. Cheddar is delicious, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Cheddar blend are all good choices.

Can I leave out the mayonnaise?
The mayonnaise adds richness and flavor to the creamy sauce, so I recommend using it. If necessary, you can substitute an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, although the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

Why is my casserole watery?
The most common culprit is excess moisture from the broccoli. Be sure to thaw and drain frozen broccoli thoroughly before adding it to the casserole. Also avoid overbaking, which can cause vegetables to release additional moisture.

Can I freeze Chicken Broccoli Casserole?
Yes. Cool the casserole completely, place it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.