Healthy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, nutritious, and downright delicious dinner, I have just the thing for you: my Healthy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day, yet it’s packed with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this casserole checks all the boxes — creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

When I put this Healthy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe together, I pick ingredients that complement each other perfectly — tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a silky, flavorful sauce. Plus, these items are easy to find, and many people already have them in their kitchen.

• Oil: I like using a neutral oil or avocado oil for cooking; it helps brown the chicken without overpowering flavors.
• Chicken breasts or thighs: Both work well here — breasts for leaner protein, thighs if you want a richer taste and juicier texture.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh is best, but frozen works in a pinch; just make sure to thaw first.
• Cooked rice or frozen riced cauliflower: Riced cauliflower is a great low-carb swap that still gives you that casserole heft.
• Yellow onion: Adds a sweet depth of flavor once sautéed, bringing everything together.
• Sliced white mushrooms: These add a lovely earthiness and more umami to the creamy sauce.
• Arrowroot flour: A fantastic gluten-free thickener that keeps the sauce silky smooth without heaviness.
• Garlic cloves: I always recommend fresh minced garlic—it gives the sauce a bright, aromatic kick.
• Full-fat coconut milk (or other milk): I love coconut milk here for creaminess and subtle richness, but a dairy milk works too.
• Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
• Dried thyme: This herb elevates the casserole with a subtle woodsy note.
• Fine sea salt and ground black pepper: Seasonings that bring all the flavors to life.
• Nutritional yeast (optional): If you like a cheesy flavor without dairy, this is a game-changer.

Variations

I love playing around with this Healthy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family’s craving. Don’t hesitate to tailor it to your tastes — it’s forgiving and flexible!

• Add cheese: Sometimes I sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top before baking for an extra melty finish.
• Use different veggies: Swap broccoli for cauliflower, green beans, or even kale for a new twist.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the sauce if you love a little kick.
• Low-carb option: Using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice keeps this casserole lighter without sacrificing fullness.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven

First things first—if you’re using frozen riced cauliflower, let it thaw on the counter while you prep. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and generously grease a 9×13 casserole dish. Having everything ready makes the cooking flow smoother and prevents any last-minute scrambling — trust me, I learned this the hard way!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Broccoli

Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chicken pieces, cooking them for about 4–5 minutes until they start to lose their pink color. Add your broccoli florets and stir everything together. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli turns tender-crisp. Then, transfer this mix to your greased casserole dish. This step is when your kitchen starts smelling incredible—seriously, it’s one of my favorite parts!

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

In a separate large saucepan, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender. Toss in the arrowroot flour and minced garlic; stirring constantly, cook for a minute to bloom the flour and smell those flavors deepen. Pour in the coconut milk and broth, whisking to smoothly blend without lumps. Add the dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and if you’re using it, nutritional yeast for that subtle cheesy flavor. Bring your sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens delightfully. Remove from heat and get ready to combine!

Step 4: Assemble and Bake Your Casserole

Add the cooked rice or thawed cauliflower rice to the casserole dish with the chicken and broccoli. Pour the luscious mushroom sauce over everything, folding it carefully until all ingredients are evenly coated. Spread the mixture out evenly, and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until you see bubbly edges and a slight golden tint on top. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 5–10 minutes—this helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.

How to Serve Healthy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving—adds a pop of freshness and color. Sometimes, a light drizzle of hot sauce brings out all the flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is pretty hearty, I like pairing it with something light like a crisp garden salad or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. Roasted sweet potatoes or a crusty whole-grain bread are also great companions if you want something a bit more filling.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or casual gatherings, I sometimes serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch — it feels a little fancy but is so easy! For holiday meals, topping with toasted almond slivers or pumpkin seeds adds a lovely crunch and elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the fresh batch, I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. They usually keep well for 3 to 4 days without losing too much flavor or texture. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole multiple times, and it freezes beautifully. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags before baking. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual. The texture remains wonderful—just like fresh!

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer the oven or toaster oven to keep it crisp on top—about 15–20 minutes at 350°F (175°C). If you’re in a hurry, microwave works too; just cover it to retain moisture and heat in shorter intervals.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Healthy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe turns out every single time. It’s the perfect combo of nourishing and delicious, plus it feels cozy and satisfying like classic comfort food but without the heaviness. When I first tried making casseroles healthier, I struggled to find one that everyone in my family gobbled up — this one broke that streak instantly! I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do, and maybe even customize it to make it your own signature dish.

Print