Skinny Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Introduction

The best skinny chicken broccoli casserole recipe is one that is full of flavor and healthy ingredients. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious dish to add to your meal planning, look no further than this skinny chicken broccoli casserole recipe!

The best part about this skinny chicken broccoli casserole recipe is that it’s so easy to make. This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it’s so easy to make. You’ll love how tasty and satisfying this casserole is. Give it a try today!

We built this lighter bake around lean chicken, tender broccoli, and a creamy, comforting sauce that still feels indulgent. It comes together fast, relies on simple pantry staples, and bakes up bubbly with a golden, cheesy top—everything you want from a cozy casserole, only lighter. It’s the kind of simple skinny chicken broccoli casserole meal you can tuck into on busy weeknights, share at potlucks, or portion for meal prep.

Whether you’re craving a quick skinny chicken broccoli casserole recipe after work or brainstorming homemade skinny chicken broccoli casserole ideas for Sunday prep, this pan checks all the boxes: family-friendly, budget-conscious, and weeknight-easy. If you’re new to casseroles, consider this an easy skinny chicken broccoli casserole for beginners—forgiving, flexible, and reliably delicious. We even include a healthy skinny chicken broccoli casserole version with smart swaps and make-ahead tips below to keep dinner stress-free and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family friendly skinny chicken broccoli casserole—even picky eaters love the creamy sauce and cheesy top.
• Uses simple pantry staples: cooked chicken, broccoli, cream soup, milk, and cheese—nothing fussy.
• Flexible and forgiving: fresh or frozen broccoli, rotisserie chicken, or leftover roasted chicken all work.
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly for busy nights; reheats beautifully without drying out.
• Lightened-up comfort food with smart swaps for a truly healthy skinny chicken broccoli casserole version.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Cooked chicken: Use diced or shredded chicken breast for the leanest option, or swap in thigh meat for extra juiciness. Rotisserie chicken keeps this a quick skinny chicken broccoli casserole recipe.

Broccoli: Frozen chopped broccoli is convenient—just cook and drain well to avoid excess moisture. Fresh florets work too; chop into small, even pieces so they soften in the same bake time.

Reduced-fat cream of chicken soup: This delivers creamy body with fewer calories. If you’re dairy-sensitive, a condensed “cream of” alternative or a homemade light white sauce thickened with flour can substitute.

Evaporated milk: Adds richness without heavy cream. Unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk thickened with a teaspoon of cornstarch are good lighter swaps.

Garlic powder: A quick pantry boost; feel free to add onion powder, a pinch of paprika, or black pepper to deepen flavor.

Reduced-fat shredded cheddar: Freshly shredded melts best. Monterey Jack or part-skim mozzarella can mellow the flavor, while a little Parmesan sharpens it.

Breadcrumbs + Parmesan: That crisp, golden lid contrasts the creamy filling. Panko yields extra crunch; gluten-free crumbs work well too.

How to Make It (Step Insights)

Preheating to 350°F ensures gentle, even heat so the broccoli softens as the cheese melts—no overbrowning before the center heats through. Tossing chicken and broccoli first distributes protein and veg evenly so every scoop feels balanced.

Stirring the condensed soup with evaporated milk creates a lighter, silky sauce that clings to tiny broccoli crevices. A touch of garlic powder delivers flavor without extra fat or chopping. Mixing everything thoroughly before the pan prevents “dry corners” and ensures the sauce kisses every bite.

Layering the mixture in a well-greased 9×13 pan helps the edges caramelize slightly—those flavorful bits make this a simple skinny chicken broccoli casserole meal that tastes slow-simmered. Cheese goes on top so it bubbles and forms a creamy lid that locks in moisture.

Finally, the breadcrumb-Parmesan topping adds crunch to contrast the creamy filling. A short rest after baking lets the sauce thicken naturally for cleaner slices and less steam burn-off—one more reason this is an easy skinny chicken broccoli casserole for beginners that looks (and tastes) restaurant-worthy.

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Tips for Success

• Drain cooked broccoli very well to avoid a watery casserole.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
• Season the mixture to taste with salt, pepper, or a pinch of paprika before baking.
• Bake uncovered for a crisp, golden topping.
• Let the casserole rest 10 minutes before serving so it sets up nicely.

Ingredients:

• Cooked chicken cut into bite-sized pieces
• Frozen chopped broccoli cooked and drained
• Reduced-fat cream of chicken soup
• Evaporated milk
• Garlic powder
• Reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• Bread crumbs
• Parmesan cheese

How to make Skinny Chicken Broccoli Casserole (Original Steps)

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2. Add the chicken and broccoli to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3. Pour 2 cans of reduced-fat cream of chicken soup into the mixing bowl.

Step 4. Then, add ⅔ cup of evaporated milk.

Step 5. Then, add ½ tsp of garlic powder.

Step 6. Stir to combine well.

Step 7. Layer the chicken and broccoli mixture into the bottom of a well-greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 8. Top with shredded cheese.

Step 9. In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.

Step 10. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole.

Step 11. Bake for 30 minutes.

Step 12. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Be sure the food has cooled to room temperature, then wrap it tightly so that it remains airtight. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container, pressing plastic wrap directly on the surface to reduce drying. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 20 minutes) or microwave individual portions in 60–90 second bursts. To freeze, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat. For best texture, keep the crumb topping separate and add fresh crumbs before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

I usually roast up a pan of Broccoli. I love the additional broccoli. I have also served it with brown rice or quinoa. For color and crunch, add a simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic green beans or roasted carrots pair beautifully, and a warm slice of crusty bread turns this into the best skinny chicken broccoli casserole recipe dinner plate. Try a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon at the table for brightness.

FAQs

What should I serve with this casserole?

I usually roast up a pan of Broccoli. I love the additional broccoli. I have also served it with brown rice or quinoa.

Should I use fresh or frozen broccoli?

You can use either fresh or frozen. Just be sure that whichever you use, is cut into small enough pieces to allow it to cook evenly.

How do I prepare the broccoli for this dish?

It is best to wash and trim the broccoli before you use it. Also be sure to trim the stalks. You may also decide to parboil the broccoli. It will help it cook faster.

Which cut of chicken is best to use?

I prefer the breast, but you can use any portion of the chicken you want. For extra tenderness, thighs are great; for ultra-lean, stick with breast.

What are the points if I am following Weight Watchers?

There are 5 WW points in this dish. (Always recalculate based on your ingredients/serving size.)

What temp should I set my oven to?

Cooking a casserole is best done at 350*. If the casserole is frozen, the oven temp should be 375*.

Do I need to cover the baking dish while it bakes?

Yes, I do recommend using a cover. If no cover is used, the dish will come out hard on the top and will not be as good. We like to bake uncovered for a crisp topping; if it browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes—assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the crumb topping just before baking for the best texture.

How can I make this dairy-lighter or gluten-free?

Use a dairy-free condensed soup substitute and unsweetened almond milk; choose dairy-free cheese shreds. For gluten-free, swap in GF breadcrumbs and a certified GF condensed soup.

Notes

Well, there you have it! Our skinny chicken broccoli casserole recipe is not only delicious but healthy too. We hope you will give it a try. This recipe is our weeknight hero when schedules are packed—easy to assemble, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Keep a bag of broccoli in the freezer and some cooked chicken on hand, and dinner practically makes itself.

THANKS FOR PINING!

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