Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying dinner that skips the heavy cream and instead packs in flavor and nourishment, this Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is guaranteed to become a new staple at your table. Tender bites of chicken, vibrant broccoli, hearty brown rice or quinoa, and a creamy Greek yogurt base all come together beneath a blanket of melty cheese for comfort food that genuinely feels good. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving up a Sunday supper, this casserole brings a little bit of everything you love about classic home cooking — with a wholesome twist you can feel proud to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is in its ingredient list: just a handful of fresh, pantry-friendly basics, each bringing its own delicious character. You get lean protein, colorful veggies, whole grains, and a truly craveable cheesy finish — simple, but essential for a casserole that’s equal parts comforting and light.
- Cooked chicken breast: Provides lean protein and soaks up the creamy flavors beautifully; leftover or rotisserie chicken works great!
- Fresh broccoli florets: Steamed until just tender, they add festive green color, fiber, and a subtle crunch to the dish.
- Cooked brown rice or quinoa: Both add wholesome, nutty flavor and help make the casserole hearty and filling — feel free to use your favorite!
- Plain Greek yogurt: The secret to that luscious, creamy base without heavy cream; it adds tang and packs in extra protein.
- Low-fat milk: Just enough to loosen the mixture and boost creaminess while keeping things light.
- Shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, golden goodness for that essential cheesy comfort we all crave.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish and helps crisp up the topping.
- Olive oil: Creates a flavorful base for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and depth of flavor to every bite.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Lends warmth and savory aroma to the casserole base.
- Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon adds a gentle tang and rounds out the overall flavor profile.
- Paprika: Adds appealing color and a hint of gentle smokiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Bring all the flavors together — don’t skip the seasoning!
- Whole wheat breadcrumbs (optional): For those who love a crispy, golden topping; also a great way to add texture.
- Fresh parsley: A quick garnish for freshness that brightens the finished casserole.
How to Make Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), which gives the casserole just the right environment to bubble and brown. Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of nonstick spray or a touch of olive oil so your casserole lifts out easily later.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
Steam your broccoli florets for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them bright green and just fork-tender — not mushy! This keeps them vibrant and prevents overcooking once they hit the oven.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your minced onion and let it soften and turn slightly golden for about 5 minutes. Then add in minced garlic and sauté for an extra minute — your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
Step 4: Make the Casserole Filling
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cooked chicken pieces, steamed broccoli, cooked brown rice or quinoa, sautéed onion and garlic, Greek yogurt, low-fat milk, Dijon mustard, paprika, half the shredded cheddar, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated and evenly distributed.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Pour the whole mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out so it’s evenly packed. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, then follow with the Parmesan and, if you like a crispy finish, the whole wheat breadcrumbs.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly at the edges and the top is golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes out of the oven, then shower with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
How to Serve Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only looks beautiful but lends a refreshing herbal note to balance all the creamy, cheesy goodness. You might also add a pinch of extra paprika for pop, or a scattering of microgreens if you want to go gourmet!
Side Dishes
This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is satisfying all on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, some roasted carrots, or a platter of sliced tomatoes for added color and freshness on your dinner table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in shallow bowls for serious comfort-food vibes, or cut big squares for a potluck-style spread. If you’re meal prepping, portion the casserole into glass containers and stack in the fridge for grab-and-go lunches that are both filling and nourishing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole can be stashed in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better after a night or two, as those flavors have time to blend and deepen. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before covering.
Freezing
Freezing is a breeze with this casserole. Pop the cooled casserole — whole or in portions — into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil. It keeps well for up to 2 months. For best texture, skip the breadcrumbs if you know you’ll be freezing, and add them just before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For quick lunches, zap portions in the microwave, though giving it a stir halfway through ensures even heat. If reheating from frozen, allow to thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and works perfectly in Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole. Just remove the skin and shred or chop the meat before adding it to the mix.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
No problem. You can substitute regular plain yogurt (preferably low-fat or whole) or even light sour cream. Greek yogurt is higher in protein, though, and gives a nice creamy texture.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole gluten-free, simply skip the breadcrumbs (or use a certified gluten-free version) and double-check that your mustard and other packaged ingredients are free from gluten-containing additives.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or even a handful of peas can all be stirred into the casserole with great results. It’s a wonderful way to use up odds and ends from your produce drawer.
Is it possible to assemble this casserole in advance?
Yes — you can assemble Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Let it sit out for 20 minutes before baking to take the chill off for even heating.
Final Thoughts
If you adore cozy, nourishing dinners that come together with real ingredients and leave you feeling great, you can’t go wrong with this Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole. I hope you’ll give it a spot in your own kitchen routine, whether for a Sunday night gathering or easy lunches throughout the week. Happy cooking!
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Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a nutritious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and whole grains in a creamy, cheesy sauce. A comforting and flavorful casserole that is perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup low-fat milk
- 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets for about 3-4 minutes until just tender but still bright green; set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice or quinoa, sautéed onion and garlic, Greek yogurt, milk, Dijon mustard, paprika, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, and breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra veggies, stir in some chopped spinach or bell peppers.
- To make it gluten-free, skip the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free ones.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
