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Creamy Loaded Broccoli Cheese Chicken Casserole Easy Recipe with Crispy Topping

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A creamy, cheesy chicken casserole loaded with broccoli and topped with a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan crust. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal that kids and adults love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese, well-drained
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your casserole dish with a little butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Cut the chicken breasts into roughly 1-inch chunks. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Cook the chicken until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Steam fresh broccoli florets until bright green and just tender, about 3-4 minutes. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain well.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Optionally pulse cottage cheese in a food processor for smoother texture before mixing.
  6. Fold cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture. Mix gently to combine.
  7. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
  8. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy and the filling is bubbly.
  10. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Steam broccoli to avoid bitterness and sogginess. For low-carb, substitute panko with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Can prepare ahead and refrigerate before baking. Reheat leftovers in oven to keep topping crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli casserole, chicken casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, broccoli cheese chicken, crispy topping