Cheesy Chicken Casserole

This is the kind of cozy dinner you make on busy weeknights, chilly evenings or anytime you need a full meal the whole family will happily dig into. It’s simple enough for a regular night of the week but comforting enough to feel like a classic family dinner.

If you love cozy casseroles like this one, try our Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole or Buffalo Chicken Pasta, they are always a hit.

• Pure Comfort Food: Creamy sauce, lots of cheese and tender chicken make every bite warm and satisfying.
• Balanced and Hearty: The broccoli adds freshness and texture, rounding this dish out for a complete meal in one dish.
• Family-Friendly: Mild flavors, cheesy goodness and familiar ingredients make it a win for kids and adults alike.
• Great for Busy Nights: Simple pantry staples and straightforward steps keep dinner stress-free.

This recipe uses everyday ingredients that come together with ease.

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

• Pasta: Forms the hearty base of the casserole and soaks up the creamy sauce.
• Broccoli Florets: Add a tender bite that balances the richness.
• Chicken Breasts: A lean protein option..
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory flavor without making the sauce too heavy.
• Cheeses: Brings bold and melty texture.

Grab yourself a 9x13 casserole, large skillet, pot and strainer for this simple pasta dish.

• Rotisserie Chicken: Use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time on busy nights.
• Extra Crunch: Sprinkle buttered bread crumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.
• Different Veggies: Swap broccoli for bell peppers, peas, zucchini or spinach for a different twist.
• Rice Swap: Replace pasta with cooked brown rice for a different take.

This casserole comes together easily with a quick stovetop sauce and a short bake in the oven.

Preheat oven to 375F and lightly spray a 9x13 casserole dish.

Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta 2 minutes before desired cook time (I usually do about 2 minutes before al dente), then place the broccoli into the pasta water and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Strain all and transfer to the casserole dish.

While the pasta and broccoli are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt butter, then add chicken and onion to the pan. When the chicken is almost cooked add garlic, salt and ground pepper, and cook for 1 minute.

Sprinkle in flour and cook for another minute, then pour milk and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to keep a rolling boil until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).

Shut the heat off and mix in 1 cup of cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then pour over the chicken and broccoli.

Top with the remaining cheeses and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until bubbling. If desired, remove the foil and broil to lightly brown the cheese.

Hint: Slightly undercooked pasta finishes perfectly in the oven without getting mushy.

• Cook Pasta Just Short of Al Dente: Slightly undercooked pasta finishes perfectly in the oven without getting mushy.
• Warm Milk and Broth: Using room-temperature liquids helps the sauce thicken smoothly.
• Don’t Skip the Simmer: Letting the sauce bubble briefly ensures it coats everything evenly.
• Even Cheese Layers: Mixing some cheese into the sauce and saving some for the top gives the best texture.
• Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes helps it set and slice cleanly.

One recipe readers always come back to is our Southwest Chicken Casserole.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Sweet Potato Skillet

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Using a freezer-safe container, store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325F until heated through or reheat individual portions in the microwave.

• Fresh Sides: Cheesy Garlic Bread, Sautéed Green Beans with Shallots,
• Comfort Sides: Idahoan Mashed Potatoes, Honey and Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots or Brussels Sprouts Casserole.

Absolutely, it is a great shortcut. Stir cooked chicken into the sauce just before baking.

Cheddar and mozzarella are classic, but a blend with Monterey Jack also works well.

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