Mediterranean Classic Chicken Broccoli Casserole
This Mediterranean-inspired chicken broccoli casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. With warm flavors from garlic, onion, Dijon mustard, and optional herbs, it’s an easy, satisfying one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep. You can use a condensed soup base for convenience or a homemade sauce for a fresher, lighter version.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
Protein & Vegetables:
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, lightly steamed if using fresh)
Sauce Base (choose condensed or homemade):
Condensed Soup Option: 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
Homemade Sauce Option:
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream or milk
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese & Flavorings:
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mix of mozzarella/cheddar)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
½ teaspoon curry powder (optional)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Additional herbs: thyme, parsley, or poultry seasoning (optional)
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare Sauce (if homemade):
In a medium saucepan, combine chicken broth, cream, and cream cheese over medium heat. Stir until smooth. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in mayonnaise, curry powder, and lemon juice if using.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli, sauce, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix gently until well coated.
Assemble Casserole:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup of cheese on top.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve:
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Tips
Broccoli Prep: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch for 3–4 minutes to keep it crisp-tender. Overcooking before baking can make the casserole mushy.
Cheese Melt: For a gooey top, use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella. For extra flavor, sprinkle some Parmesan on top before baking.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, thin with a little chicken broth or milk; too thin, add a teaspoon of flour or more cream cheese.
Even Baking: Cover with foil for the first 15 minutes if cheese starts browning too quickly, then uncover to finish.
Variations
Lighter Option: Use low-fat milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and skip the mayonnaise.
Mediterranean Flavors: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or olives for a more Mediterranean twist.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of paprika, chili flakes, or a dash of harissa for a subtle heat.
Protein Swaps: Substitute cooked turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even canned tuna for a quick variation.
Extra Veggies: Fold in mushrooms, carrots, or cauliflower to boost the vegetable content.
Gluten-Free: Use a homemade thickener (cornstarch or arrowroot) instead of flour if making the sauce.
Crispy Topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle on top for crunch.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain excess water before mixing with the sauce to prevent a soggy casserole.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.
Q: Can I make a lighter version?
A: Use low-fat milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, skip the mayonnaise, and use reduced-fat cheese.
Q: Can I freeze the casserole?
A: Yes. Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes. Cauliflower, carrots, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers all work well. Adjust cooking time if adding denser vegetables.
Nutrition
(per serving, serves 6, approximate)
Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 550 mg
(Values vary depending on cheese type, mayonnaise, and choice of condensed soup or homemade sauce.)
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Classic Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a comforting, versatile dish that balances creamy richness with fresh vegetables. It’s easy to make ahead, adaptable to dietary preferences, and perfect for family meals or meal prep. With options for lighter, spicier, or Mediterranean-inspired versions, it’s a flexible recipe that combines convenience with wholesome flavor.