If you’re craving a comforting, satisfying dish that doesn’t derail your healthy eating goals, this Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It brilliantly combines tender cooked chicken, vibrant broccoli, and wholesome brown rice or quinoa in a creamy, cheesy sauce made lighter by Greek yogurt. Each bite delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that’ll warm your soul without weighing you down. Trust me, this casserole will quickly earn a spot on your weekly rotation thanks to its perfect balance of taste and nutrition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe a true winner. Each component plays an essential role: from the lean chicken providing protein to the broccoli adding a fresh pop of color and crunch, and the Greek yogurt bringing that creamy richness without the extra fat. Let’s dive in!
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Use shredded or cubed to suit your texture preference and boost the protein content.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Lightly steamed or blanched for vibrant color and tender-crisp bite.
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa: Adds heartiness and whole grain goodness for fiber and nutrition.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing onions and garlic, lending a subtle richness.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Brings a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic warmth to brighten the dish.
- 1 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt: The secret to creamy texture with fewer calories and added protein.
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the casserole moist while controlling saltiness.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and delivers gooey, cheesy goodness.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that rounds out the taste.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle kick to awaken your palate.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: A fragrant herb that pairs nicely with chicken and broccoli.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Boosts savory notes when combined with fresh onion.
- ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (optional topping): Adds a delightfully crunchy, golden crust when baked.
- Cooking spray: To prevent sticking and help achieve a crispy topping.
How to Make Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Dish
To ensure everything cooks up beautifully, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This helps your casserole come out cleanly and encourages a crispy bottom crust. Prep makes perfect!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute more, just until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base that enhances the whole casserole.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and your choice of cooked brown rice or quinoa. Add in the sautéed onion and garlic along with the Greek yogurt, chicken broth, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and onion powder. Stir everything thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly coated and ready to shine.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If you want a deliciously crunchy topping, sprinkle the whole wheat breadcrumbs over the surface and mist lightly with cooking spray. This little touch adds that coveted golden color and texture to your casserole.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for the casserole to be hot and bubbling around the edges, and the breadcrumb topping to turn a lovely golden brown. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes outside the oven before serving — this helps the flavors meld and makes portioning easier.
How to Serve Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even a sprinkle of extra Parmesan can brighten the look and add a punch of fresh flavor to your casserole. A light squeeze of lemon juice right before serving also cuts through the richness with a wonderful zing.
Side Dishes
This casserole is pretty filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted sweet potatoes balances the meal perfectly. For something lighter, steamed green beans or a simple carrot slaw add fresh crunch without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for charming dinner presentation. You can also garnish with toasted nuts like sliced almonds or pine nuts for an unexpected texture hit that complements the wholesome ingredients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled helps preserve the fresh flavors and prevents the texture from becoming mushy.
Freezing
This casserole also freezes well, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Freeze in portion-sized airtight containers or wrap your baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It can last up to 2 months deep frozen without losing much in terms of taste or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave will do, but the oven helps maintain that delightful crispy topping and even temperature distribution.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works great in this casserole. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mixing it in to avoid a watery dish.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, light sour cream or low-fat cottage cheese are wonderful alternatives that still keep the casserole creamy and light.
Is it okay to use white rice instead of brown rice?
You can swap in white rice if that’s what you have on hand, though brown rice or quinoa gives more fiber and nutrients, making the casserole healthier overall.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in extras like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition—just adjust cooking times accordingly if adding raw veggies.
How spicy is this casserole?
It’s quite mild and comforting in flavor. If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic and onions.
Final Thoughts
This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe is such a heartwarming and nourishing dish that suits both weeknight dinners and meal prep alike. Its blend of wholesome ingredients and deep comfort makes it a favorite I love sharing with friends and family. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your go-to healthy comfort foods too!
Print
Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a delicious and nutritious bake featuring lean chicken breast, tender broccoli, whole grains, and creamy Greek yogurt. It’s a wholesome, low-fat, high-protein meal perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Topping
- ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- Cooking spray (for greasing and topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, cooked brown rice or quinoa, sautéed onion and garlic, Greek yogurt, chicken broth, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle whole wheat breadcrumbs over the top and lightly spray with cooking spray to add crispiness.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the casserole to set.
Notes
- This recipe is a great way to use leftover chicken.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with light sour cream or cottage cheese for a different creamy texture.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to increase fiber and nutritional content.
