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While it is possible to have leftover chicken or turkey any time of the year, it is most common after the flurry of holiday celebrations that many of us find ourselves facing the same dilemma: what to do with the leftover chicken or turkey.

While sandwiches and soups are always options, sometimes you crave a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying, yet simple to put together. Enter: Chicken Broccoli Casserole. This dish isn’t just about practicality; it’s a comforting, family-approved classic that brings warmth to the table and makes great use of those holiday leftovers.

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli, it’s a one-dish wonder that checks all the boxes.

Plus, it’s a recipe that kids and adults alike can’t resist, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone satisfied.

chicken broccoli casserole in a baking dish, rustic kitchen decor with fresh break in background

serving of chicken broccoli casserole on a white plate

Classic Chicken Broccoli Casserole: A Family Favorite Rediscovered

Spending weekends at Grandpa’s house always meant delicious home-cooked meals, and chicken broccoli casserole was a standout. It was a dish everyone enjoyed, even though my mom never made it at home.

Years later, when I found this recipe in our old family cookbooks, I felt inspired to bring it back to our table. Making it again reminded me why it was such a hit—it’s comforting, hearty, and packed with flavor.

Today, when I serve this dish to my own family, it’s met with the same enthusiasm as it was in Grandpa’s kitchen, with everyone reaching for seconds and no leftovers to spare.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of this chicken broccoli casserole lies in its flexibility. Here are some simple variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

Protein Alternatives: While leftover chicken or turkey is classic, you can easily swap it out for rotisserie chicken, or add leftover ham or even some cooked shrimp for a twist.
Veggie Boost: Don’t limit yourself to just broccoli. Adding a mix of vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or peas can turn this into a colorful and nutrient-packed meal.
Cheesy Twist: Cheddar is standard, but mixing in some Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan can create a deeper, richer flavor profile.
Cream Sauce: While a can of cream of chicken soup is convenient, a homemade béchamel sauce with added garlic and onion powder can make the dish even more special.

chicken broccoli casserole in a black baking dish with a spoon lifting out a serving

Customize Your Casserole with These Additional Toppings

While classic breadcrumbs make for a delicious, crunchy topping, sometimes a twist can bring a new dimension to your dish. Whether you’re looking for added flavor, a different texture, or simply want to use what’s already in your pantry, there are plenty of options to try.

Here’s a list of alternative toppings to elevate your chicken broccoli casserole and make it even more irresistible.

Crushed Crackers: Use buttery crackers like Ritz or saltines for a golden, crispy finish.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For a lighter, extra-crispy topping that adds great texture.
Potato Chips: Crushed plain or flavored potato chips can add a fun, crunchy element.
Corn Flakes: Lightly crushed corn flakes provide a nice crunch and golden color.
French Fried Onions: These add a burst of flavor and crispy texture to the casserole.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Combine with breadcrumbs or use on its own for a cheesy, savory crust.
Crushed Tortilla Chips: A unique twist with a hint of saltiness and crunch.
Almond Slices: Thinly sliced almonds can create a delicate, nutty crust.
Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: For a richer, nutty flavor and added crunch.
Herb Butter Croutons: Crushed croutons add a flavorful and crispy touch.
Cheese Blend: Mix shredded cheese with breadcrumbs or use a layer of melted cheese for a gooey top.
Breadcrumb and Herb Mix: Season your breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or paprika for added flavor.
Crushed Pretzels: Add a salty, unique crunch to the casserole.
Oats: Use rolled oats mixed with butter for a rustic and heartier topping.
Polenta or Cornmeal: A finer texture that creates a golden, crispy top layer.
Stuffing Mix: Pre-seasoned stuffing mix provides a flavorful, crispy finish.
Crispy Bacon Bits: Add crumbled bacon on top for a savory, crunchy touch.
Chopped Fresh Herbs: Mix fresh parsley, chives, or thyme with butter and breadcrumbs for an herby crust.
Sesame Seeds: A light, toasty topping with a nutty undertone.

cheesy chicken broccoli casserole serving on a white plate

Serving Suggestions

Chicken broccoli casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but here are some sides and serving ideas to complete your table:

Salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the casserole and adds a refreshing touch.
Bread: Serve with warm dinner rolls or crusty French bread for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Mashed Potatoes: For an even more indulgent pairing, try a side of creamy mashed potatoes.
Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted carrots, brussels sprouts, or asparagus make for a vibrant and healthy addition to your plate.
Pickles and Relishes: A selection of tangy pickles or sweet relishes can provide a nice contrast to the creamy casserole.

Family-Approved Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Recipe by Jessie

Course: MainDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

This chicken broccoli casserole is the perfect solution for using up leftover chicken or turkey while delivering a warm, comforting meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Easy to assemble and ready in under an hour, this dish makes for a simple yet satisfying weeknight dinner that will leave your plates clean and your family asking for seconds.

Ingredients

3 cups leftover chicken or turkey, diced
4 cups cooked broccoli, cut into small florets
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp lemon juice
1.5 cups grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs or crushed crackers

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while preparing the casserole.
Layer the Ingredients:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Evenly layer the cooked broccoli florets across the bottom of the dish.
Spread the chopped leftover chicken or turkey over the broccoli layer.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and 1 cup of the grated cheddar cheese. Mix well.
Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the dry bread crumbs or crushed crackers evenly over the sauce layer.
Top with the remaining ½ cup of grated cheddar cheese for a cheesy, golden crust.
Bake:
Cover with foil, and place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue cooking for another 15 minutes or until the the top is nicely browned.
Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes to set. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful chicken broccoli casserole!

Notes

The original recipe does not call for garlic, but I do love my garlic! So I add 1/2 tsp of garlic salt when I make this casserole

Whether you’re looking to revive childhood memories, use up those post-holiday leftovers, or just create a crowd-pleasing meal, this chicken broccoli casserole fits the bill perfectly.

Make it once, and you’ll understand why it’s a dish that deserves a place in your regular meal rotation.