When you're craving classic comfort food without all the extra calories, this Skinny Chicken Broccoli Casserole is the perfect answer. It's creamy, cheesy, packed with tender chicken and broccoli, and topped with a crispy golden breadcrumb topping that makes every bite incredibly satisfying.
This wholesome casserole is easy enough for busy weeknights yet comforting enough to serve for a cozy family dinner. Thanks to a few lighter ingredients, you can enjoy all the rich flavor of a traditional casserole while keeping it a little healthier.
Flavor & Texture Highlights
- Creamy, rich filling with lighter ingredients.
- Tender chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli.
- Golden, crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping.
- Melty reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- Comfort food that's hearty without feeling heavy.
Jump to Section
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- What You'll Need to Make This Recipe
- How to Make Skinny Chicken Broccoli Casserole Step by Step
- Expert Tips
- How to Store and Reheat It
- What to Serve With
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Lightened-up comfort food the whole family will enjoy.
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
- Simple ingredients and easy preparation.
- High in protein and packed with vegetables.
- Ready in under an hour.
What You'll Need to Make This Recipe
Cooked chicken breasts provide plenty of lean protein while keeping the casserole hearty and satisfying. Frozen broccoli makes preparation quick and easy while adding freshness and color to every serving.
Fat-free cream of chicken soup, non-fat evaporated milk, and a splash of lemon juice create a creamy sauce that's rich in flavor without being overly heavy. The lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the creaminess beautifully.
Reduced-fat cheddar cheese melts into a delicious topping, while Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese create a crispy, golden finish that adds wonderful texture.
You'll find the exact ingredient measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Skinny Chicken Broccoli Casserole Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Chicken and Broccoli
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked diced chicken and the cooked, well-drained broccoli. Toss gently until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the fat-free cream of chicken soup, non-fat evaporated milk, and lemon juice until smooth. Pour the mixture over the chicken and broccoli and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 5: Add the Crispy Topping
Mix the Italian-flavored breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the cheese. Lightly coat the topping with cooking spray to help it brown beautifully.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
- Drain the broccoli well to prevent a watery casserole.
- Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option.
- For extra color, broil the casserole for 1 to 2 minutes at the end.
- Let the casserole rest before serving so it slices neatly.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or black pepper for extra flavor if desired.
How to Store and Reheat It
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Serve With
- Brown rice
- Garlic bread
- Steamed green beans
- Fresh garden salad
- Roasted carrots
- Dinner rolls
- Fresh fruit salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli?
Yes. Simply steam or blanch the broccoli until just tender before adding it to the casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze the baked or unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly. Mushrooms, cauliflower, peas, or diced carrots all work well in this recipe.
Skinny Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen broccoli cuts, cooked and well drained
- 2 (10¾-ounce) cans 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup
- 3/4 cup non-fat evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian-flavored dry breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked diced chicken and drained broccoli.
- In another bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and lemon juice.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and broccoli and stir until evenly combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Mix the breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese and sprinkle over the cheddar.
- Lightly spray the topping with cooking spray.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even quicker.
- Be sure the broccoli is well drained to avoid excess moisture.
- For an extra crispy topping, broil for the final 1 to 2 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Skinny Chicken Broccoli Casserole proves that comfort food can be both satisfying and wholesome. With its creamy filling, tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and crispy cheesy topping, it's an easy meal that fits perfectly into busy schedules while still feeling warm, cozy, and homemade. It's the kind of recipe you'll find yourself making again and again.