Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole — a cozy, lighter take on a classic comfort-dish favorite — brings tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce together without the heavy guilt. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm kitchen on a rainy evening: familiar, satisfying, and easy to adapt to what you have on hand. If you enjoy casserole mashups, you might also like the baked potato chicken broccoli casserole for another hearty weeknight option: baked potato chicken broccoli casserole.

Why make this recipe
If you’re tired of the same heavy, overly creamy casseroles that leave you sluggish, this recipe is perfect because it trims calories and saturated fat without sacrificing flavor—swapping in lighter milks and yogurt, steaming the broccoli to keep its snap, and using lean chicken. It keeps all the cozy, casserole characteristics (a creamy binder, melty cheese, and a crisp topping) while boosting vegetables and using whole-grain pasta if you choose. Finally, it’s a flexible crowd-pleaser that works for family dinners, potlucks, and easy meal-prep lunches.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked pasta (whole-wheat rotini recommended)
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets (about 1 pound)
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 1 small white onion, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 cups diced (or shredded) cooked chicken

Directions

1. Prepare Chicken — Cube 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and toss with ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp onion powder.
2. Sauté Chicken — Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the seasoned chicken in batches until golden brown on all sides and cooked through (5–7 minutes). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare Broccoli — Wash and cut 4–5 cups fresh broccoli florets into uniform bite-sized pieces. Steam lightly in a microwave with 2 tablespoons water for 2–3 minutes, or on stovetop, until tender-crisp. Drain any excess water and set aside.
4. Grate Cheeses — Grate all cheddar and Gruyère/Monterey Jack cheeses. Reserve ½ cup sharp cheddar and ¼ cup Gruyère/Monterey Jack for the topping.
5. Sauté Aromatics — Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil) over medium heat. Add ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring, for 4–5 minutes until translucent.
6. Add Garlic — Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
7. Create Roux — Sprinkle ¼ cup all-purpose flour over the softened onions and garlic. Stir continuously with a whisk for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a paste.
8. Whisk in Liquids Gradually — Slowly pour in 2 ½ cups warmed low-sodium chicken broth, a little at a time, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once smooth, slowly whisk in 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk). Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce gently simmers and thickens to desired consistency (about 5–7 minutes).
9. Introduce Healthy Creaminess — Remove skillet from heat. Stir in ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (optional). Whisk until beautifully smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings.
10. Melt the Cheese — Return skillet to very low heat (or use residual heat). Gradually add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and ¼ cup shredded Gruyère/Monterey Jack cheese, stirring continuously until melted and gloriously smooth. Do not let the sauce boil once cheese is added.
11. Combine Main Ingredients — Gently fold the cooked chicken cubes and the steamed broccoli florets into the creamy cheese sauce until thoroughly coated and evenly distributed.
12. Prepare the Baking Dish — If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken and broccoli mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
13. Create the Crispy Topping — In a small bowl, combine ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, the reserved ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and the reserved ¼ cup shredded Gruyère/Monterey Jack cheese. If dry, drizzle in 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil and toss.
14. Top the Casserole — Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb and cheese mixture over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish, ensuring edge-to-edge coverage.
15. Preheat and Bake — Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Loosely tent with aluminum foil if topping browns too quickly.
16. Rest Before Serving — Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly.
17. Serve Warm — Dish out generous portions of the warm casserole. Enjoy as is, or with a simple side salad, brown rice, quinoa, or crusty whole-grain bread.
18. Storage and Reheating — Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–30 minutes. Adding a splash of milk or broth can help keep the sauce creamy when reheating.

Why these steps matter (short notes)

• Browning the chicken first locks in flavor and prevents it from becoming dry in the oven.
• A light steam on the broccoli preserves color, texture, and nutrients—overcooking will leave it mushy in the finished casserole.
• Making a proper roux and adding liquids gradually keeps the sauce silky and lump-free; adding cheese off the boil prevents a grainy, separated sauce.

Best Way to Store Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container at 40°F (4°C) or below for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze at 0°F (-18°C) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating temperature: Reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through (about 20–30 minutes); individual portions can be microwaved on medium power for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway.

Serving Suggestions for Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Light and fresh: Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or apple-cider dressing to cut through the richness.
• Grain accompaniments: Spoon over steamed brown rice, quinoa, or a scoop of farro for an even heartier plate.
• Bread sides: Offer warm whole-grain rolls or sliced crusty bread to scoop up the creamy sauce.
• Veggie add-ons: A simple roasted carrot and beet side brings color and an earthy contrast to the cheesy casserole.

Tips to make Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Use fresh broccoli and steam just until bright green and tender-crisp; it will finish cooking in the oven.
• If using rotisserie or leftover chicken, save time by shredding it and briefly tossing in the hot sauce to reheat.
• For a lower-sodium version, use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt; adding lemon zest at the end brightens flavor without salt.
• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping and bake before serving.

Variation(s)

• Vegetarian swap: Omit chicken and increase mushrooms and chickpeas for protein; use vegetable stock and an extra cup of mixed vegetables for a hearty meatless casserole.
• Lighter dairy: Substitute half the cheese with part-skim varieties and replace full-fat milk with unsweetened almond milk plus 1/3 cup Greek yogurt for creaminess with fewer calories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I keep the casserole from becoming watery?
A: Make sure your broccoli is well drained after steaming and avoid adding extra liquid beyond what’s in the recipe. If your sauce seems thin, simmer it a little longer before combining; the roux thickens as it cooks.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes — but thaw and drain frozen broccoli completely and pat dry before folding into the sauce to avoid excess moisture.

Q: What kind of cheese melts best for this casserole?
A: Sharp cheddar gives flavor, and gooey melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère add creamy texture. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible, as it contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Substitute a gluten-free flour for the roux (or use cornstarch slurry), choose gluten-free pasta, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs (or crushed gluten-free crackers) for the topping.

Q: Is it freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Freeze in portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Q: How can I make this lower-carb?
A: Skip the pasta and serve the casserole over cauliflower rice, or omit the starch entirely and increase vegetables to bulk up the dish.

Final notes on timing and prepping

• Active prep: about 25–35 minutes (cooking the chicken, steaming broccoli, making the sauce, and combining ingredients).
• Oven time: 25–30 minutes.
• Total time: about 1 hour from start to finish, slightly shorter if using pre-cooked chicken.
• Meal-prep tip: Assemble multiple 9×9 or 8×8 portions and freeze individual meals for quick weeknight dinners.

Conclusion

This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole keeps everything you love about classic casseroles—cheesy, comforting, and easy to scale—while making smart swaps to reduce fat and boost vegetables. If you’d like another healthy take with similar comforting vibes, Gimme Some Oven’s Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a great reference for technique and inspiration. For more ways to lighten traditional casseroles and to see a slightly different flavor profile, check out this version from Recipes to Nourish.

Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Healthy

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Description

A cozy, lighter take on a classic comfort-dish favorite, featuring tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce without the heavy guilt.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces uncooked whole-wheat rotini pasta
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 1 small white onion, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 cups diced (or shredded) cooked chicken

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Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Cube chicken breasts or thighs and toss with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté seasoned chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare Broccoli: Steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp and set aside.
4. Grate Cheeses: Grate all cheeses, reserving some for topping.
5. Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter or olive oil in the skillet and sauté onions until translucent.
6. Add Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
7. Create Roux: Add flour and whisk continuously until cooked out, forming a paste.
8. Whisk in Liquids: Gradually add chicken broth and almond milk, whisking until the sauce thickens.
9. Introduce Healthy Creaminess: Stir in Greek yogurt and seasonings until smooth.
10. Melt the Cheese: Add shredded cheeses and stir until melted.
11. Combine Main Ingredients: Fold in chicken and broccoli until coated.
12. Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
13. Create the Crispy Topping: Combine panko, Parmesan, and reserved cheeses, then sprinkle over the casserole.
14. Preheat and Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and crispy.
15. Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest before serving.
16. Serve Warm: Dish out and enjoy!

Notes

For a vegetarian option, increase mushrooms and add chickpeas instead of chicken.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: broccoli, chicken, casserole, healthy, comfort food