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Chicken Broccoli Casserole from Scratch

A comforting and delicious chicken broccoli casserole made entirely from scratch, featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy homemade sauce topped with melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Steam the broccoli florets until just tender, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, continuing to whisk until smooth.
Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and the cheese sauce. Mix well to evenly coat.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the casserole, then evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture on top.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.