The Busy Weeknight Wonder
A Real-Life Mom Win With Chicken Casserole
Let me tell you how this 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole came to the rescue on one of my busiest nights. It was 5:30 p.m., kids were cranky, I had laundry piled high, and no plan for dinner. I dug into the fridge, spotted some leftover chicken and broccoli, and threw together what I hoped would be a decent meal. What came out of the oven was this creamy, comforting casserole that saved the evening.
Hi, I’m Marissa Hale—busy mom of four from Asheville—and this is one of those recipes that stuck. It wasn’t fancy, but it was fast. And honestly, it tasted like something I’d spent much longer on. Since that night, this recipe has been in heavy rotation. With only 5 ingredients, it’s simple enough to make any weeknight feel doable.
Why do I love this dish so much? Because it checks every box: kid-approved, minimal cleanup, and adaptable. You can use cooked rotisserie chicken, fresh or frozen broccoli, and whatever creamy element you’ve got—like sour cream, cream cheese, or even Greek yogurt. No matter what, this recipe always comes through.
You’ll find lots of simple chicken recipes and casseroles on my site, but this one might be my favorite. It proves you don’t need a long grocery list to make something really good. Stick with me, because next we’ll break down exactly what you need—and what you can swap—to make this weeknight hero your own.
Table Of Content
Core Ingredients & Swaps Of 5 Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Simple Pantry Stars That Work
The beauty of a 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole is that it keeps dinner doable. With only a few ingredients, you don’t need to overthink your grocery list. Each item plays a role in creating something creamy, cozy, and totally family-approved.
Let’s look at what you really need:
- Chicken: Any pre-cooked chicken works. I use rotisserie when I’m short on time, but baked or grilled leftovers are just as good.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds a crisp bite, but frozen works just as well. Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water.
- Cheese: Cheddar is the classic choice, but use what you have—mozzarella, gouda, or even a cheese blend will melt beautifully.
- Creamy base: Sour cream or cream cheese adds richness without needing canned soup. Greek yogurt is a lighter option that still feels indulgent.
- Crunchy topping: Totally optional, but a layer of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs gives this casserole a satisfying finish.
This lineup delivers everything a 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole needs: protein, veggies, flavor, creaminess, and texture—all in one pan.
Healthy & Soup-Free Options That Still Taste Great
If you’re aiming for a lighter version, just swap in nonfat Greek yogurt and skip the topping. Add garlic powder or onion flakes for more depth without extra calories. You can even add baby spinach or chopped kale for an extra boost ofgreens. For more health-forward options, try our healthy chicken and broccoli recipe.
At 2to5ingredients, we focus on flexible, quick recipes like this. Whether you’re feeding toddlers or teens, keeping it simple always works.
Now let’s get to the good part: how to prep, layer, and bake this into your new go-to dinner.
How to Make Perfect 5 Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole Every Time
Prep, Mix, Bake – Done
The beauty of a 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole is how fast it comes together. No extra pans, no complicated prep—just a handful of steps between you and a warm, satisfying dinner. Here’s how to make it work every time.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Combine cooked chicken, chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, and your creamy base (sour cream, cream cheese, or Greek yogurt) in a large bowl.
- Mix well until everything’s evenly coated and spread it into your prepared dish.
- Top it off with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs if you like a crispy finish.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until it’s hot and bubbly with golden edges.
That’s it. In under 10 minutes of prep, you’ve got a 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole ready to hit the oven.
Texture, Temperature & Tools That Matter
For best results, drain your broccoli well—especially if using frozen—to avoid excess moisture. A glass or ceramic dish works great for even baking. Want those gooey, crispy edges? Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before it bakes.
This recipe is built for real life. It’s perfect when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend your whole evening in the kitchen. And if you’re hooked on this level of simplicity, you’ll love our 5 ingredient chicken salad ideas and easy crockpot dinners.
Serve It, Save It, Remix It
Beyond the Casserole Dish
You’ve pulled your 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole from the oven. It’s bubbly, golden, and your kitchen smells amazing. Now what? This dish is as versatile as it is easy to make—so let’s talk serving, storing, and remixing it for the week ahead.
What to Serve With Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Because this casserole already has protein and veggies, it doesn’t need much on the side. But if you want to round out the meal, here are a few easy ideas:
- A quick side salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls make it a cozy, filling meal.
- Roasted carrots or green beans work if you want more veg on the plate.
For a casual night, I’ve even served this 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole in bowls with a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce on top—so good.
Smart Storage, Freezer Tips & Next-Day Meals
Leftovers? Even better. Store your casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. It reheats well in the microwave or oven, especially if you add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top.
Want to freeze it? Assemble the uncooked casserole, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
You can also remix leftovers into something new. Wrap spoonfuls in tortillas for easy chicken-broccoli burritos or stir them into cooked pasta with a splash of cream. For more snack-style ideas, check out our buffalo chicken dip—also just 5 ingredients!
This 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole proves that simple meals can stretch, satisfy, and save you time—again and again.
Print
5 Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole
This 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole is a creamy, comforting weeknight wonder—easy to prep, flexible to swap, and loved by the whole family.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftovers)
- 1½ cups chopped broccoli (fresh or thawed frozen, drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup sour cream, cream cheese, or plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, broccoli, cheese, and sour cream (or your creamy base of choice).
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
- Top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden at the edges.
Notes
Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version or cream cheese for a richer one. For best results, drain thawed broccoli thoroughly. This casserole freezes well uncooked—just thaw and bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole
Frequently Asked Questions About 5 Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole
1. Can I make a 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole with no soup?
Absolutely. You don’t need canned soup to make this casserole creamy and flavorful. Instead, use sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or softened cream cheese as your base. These give your 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole the same rich texture—without the additives.
2. Is 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole healthy?
It can be! Choose lean chicken, fresh or steamed broccoli, and a lighter base like low-fat Greek yogurt or part-skim cheese. Skip the topping or use whole-grain breadcrumbs to make this 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole lower in calories and higher in nutrition.
3. Does the Pioneer Woman have a version of 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole?
While the Pioneer Woman offers several comforting casseroles, her versions usually include more ingredients. However, the concept of a simplified chicken broccoli casserole aligns perfectly with our 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole—quick, family-friendly, and packed with flavor.
4. What makes an easy broccoli chicken casserole different?
The difference is usually in the ingredient count. Many “easy” casseroles include 8–10 components. A true 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole keeps it minimal—no complicated sauces, no long prep, just five everyday staples that come together fast.
Why This Simple Casserole Belongs in Your Weekly Lineup
Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. This 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole is living proof that simple can still mean satisfying. With just a few pantry staples, you’ve got a comforting, kid-friendly meal that fits your schedule—and your sanity.
Whether you’re skipping the soup, leaning into healthy swaps, or freezing extras for next week, this recipe works hard for your family. At 2to5ingredients, we believe great meals can be quick, honest, and full of flavor. Add this casserole to your rotation and reclaim your evenings—one easy dinner at a time.
