Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A baked casserole of tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and a velvety cream sauce for a satisfying, family-style meal. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs chicken thighs, florets broccoli, milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds, then add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden, then transfer to a baking dish.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes. Pour 1 cup milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 cup grated cheddar cheese. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and bubbly.
  4. Step 4: Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Step 5: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with additional cheese and fresh parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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