Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Name: Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced; 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped; 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup, low fat; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, non-fat; 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, reduced fat; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, whole wheat; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Pinch of salt

Author: Tessa

Published: July 27, 2025

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Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole has been a revelation in my kitchen, proving that comfort food doesn’t have to mean sacrificing nutrition. There’s just something so deeply satisfying about a creamy, cheesy casserole, but for years, I struggled to find a version that felt good for my family without losing that beloved taste. Then, one day, I experimented with swapping out some of the heavier ingredients for Greek yogurt and almond milk in my favorite chicken and broccoli bake. The result was pure magic – a dish that’s incredibly flavorful, wonderfully creamy, and surprisingly light. It’s become a weeknight staple that everyone happily devours, and I can feel good about serving it!

Why You’ll Love This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole truly has it all! You’ll adore how it delivers all the creamy, comforting flavor you expect from a classic casserole, but with a lighter touch. It’s packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, making it a wholesome meal that’s also incredibly easy to throw together on a busy weeknight. Plus, the simple preparation means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious, guilt-free dinner.

The Appeal of Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

There’s an undeniable charm to a hearty casserole, and a Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole offers that same nostalgic comfort without the heavy feeling. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a beloved dish, knowing you’re fueling your body with nutritious ingredients while still savoring every creamy, cheesy bite. It’s a win-win!

Essential Ingredients for Your Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Crafting this delicious Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole starts with gathering a few key ingredients. You’ll need 2 cups of cooked chicken breast, which you can shred or dice—leftover rotisserie chicken works beautifully here! For our green goodness, have 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces. The creamy base comes from 1 can (10.75 ounces) of low-fat cream of chicken soup, combined with 1/2 cup of plain, non-fat Greek yogurt and 1/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk for that lighter touch. To finish, we’ll use 1/2 cup of reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs for a lovely golden topping. Don’t forget 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of salt to season everything perfectly.

Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole - detail 1

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Making Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a straightforward process, designed for ease and delicious results. We’ll walk through each stage, from getting your ingredients ready to that glorious moment when it comes out of the oven, bubbly and golden. My goal here is to guide you so smoothly, you’ll feel like a seasoned casserole pro even if it’s your first time. We’re focusing on clear steps and helpful tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly creamy and comforting.

Preparing Your Ingredients for Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

First things first, let’s get the oven ready! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating, lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish. Next, we need to prepare our star vegetable. Steam or blanch your chopped broccoli florets for just 3-5 minutes. You want them tender-crisp, not mushy, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Drain them really well—excess water can make your casserole watery, and nobody wants that!

Assembling Your Delicious Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Now for the fun part: bringing it all together! Grab a large mixing bowl. Add your cooked chicken, the perfectly steamed broccoli, the low-fat cream of chicken soup, non-fat Greek yogurt, and unsweetened almond milk. Don’t forget your seasonings: garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are beautifully combined and coated in that creamy sauce. Once mixed, pour this delightful concoction into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Baking and Finishing Your Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Almost there! In a small separate bowl, quickly mix your reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese with the whole wheat breadcrumbs. This creates our lovely crunchy, cheesy topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole in the baking dish. Transfer it to your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is a gorgeous golden brown. Once out of the oven, resist the urge to dive in immediately! Let it stand for about 5 minutes; this allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve and preventing it from falling apart. Then, it’s time to enjoy!

Tips for Success with Your Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

To truly master this Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole, a few insider tips can make all the difference. For ultimate convenience, don’t hesitate to use leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken—it saves so much time! When it comes to seasoning, taste your mixture before baking and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely, subtle kick without overpowering the dish. And remember, don’t overcook the broccoli in the steaming stage; it will finish cooking in the oven, so tender-crisp is the goal!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Feel free to get creative with your Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole. While chicken is classic, cooked beef or lamb can also work. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, a dairy-free plain yogurt could be a good substitute. For the cheese, any reduced-fat shredded cheese you enjoy will be delicious. You can also sneak in other veggies, like diced carrots or bell peppers, for extra nutrition and color.

Serving and Storing Your Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a light side salad dressed with a vinaigrette, or even a side of quinoa for extra protein. For leftovers, simply transfer any remaining casserole to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole - detail 2

Creative Variations for Your Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Don’t be afraid to make this Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole your own! Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the topping for a smoky flavor, or mix in some sautéed mushrooms with the chicken and broccoli. A dash of hot sauce in the creamy mixture can also give it a lovely zing.

Common Questions About Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

I get a lot of questions about how to best enjoy and adapt this Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole, so let’s tackle a few common ones! Many of you ask, “Can I make this ahead of time?” Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, including the topping, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold. Another frequent question is, “What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?” While Greek yogurt is key for its creamy texture and protein boost in this lighter sauce, you could try using an equal amount of light sour cream as a substitute, though the nutritional profile will change slightly. And finally, “Can I freeze Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole?” Yes, you can! Bake it completely, let it cool, then wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Estimated Nutritional Information

For one serving of this Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole, you’re looking at approximately 320 Calories. It contains about 12g of Fat (with 5g Saturated Fat), 35g of Protein, and 20g of Carbohydrates, of which 5g are Sugar and 4g are Fiber. Sodium is around 680mg, and Cholesterol is about 75mg. Please remember these are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and exact quantities of ingredients you use.

Share Your Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Experience

I’d love to hear how your Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole turns out! Leave a comment below with your thoughts, rate the recipe, or share your delicious creations on social media. Happy cooking!