Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Wholesome comfort food can be both indulgent and nourishing—and this Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole proves it! Packed with lean chicken, fresh broccoli, creamy Greek yogurt, and a touch of whole-grain breadcrumbs, this dish brings all the cozy flavors of traditional casseroles without the heavy cream or processed soup bases.

It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving a hungry crowd. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with protein and fiber—perfect for families looking to balance flavor and nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about a warm, bubbling casserole fresh out of the oven. But what makes this recipe special is how it takes that nostalgic favorite and gives it a modern, health-conscious twist.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Lighter and leaner: No canned soups or heavy cream—Greek yogurt adds creaminess with fewer calories.
• High in protein: Chicken breast and yogurt give this casserole over 30 grams of protein per serving.
• Loaded with vegetables: Fresh broccoli adds crunch, color, and nutrients like vitamin C and fiber.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love the cheesy goodness!
• Perfect for meal prep: Stays moist and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, lightly steamed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup low-fat milk
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
2. Prepare the Broccoli:
   Steam or blanch the broccoli for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In a large skillet, heat a small drizzle of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
4. Mix the Creamy Base:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, milk, salt, pepper, and thyme. Add the sautéed onion and garlic to this mixture.
5. Combine the Main Ingredients:
   Add the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, shredded cheese, and Parmesan to the bowl. Gently mix everything until evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
   Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula.
7. Add the Topping:
   In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, olive oil (or melted butter), and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
8. Bake to Perfection:
   Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
9. Rest and Serve:
   Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

A creamy, protein-packed casserole made with Greek yogurt, chicken, and fresh broccoli for a wholesome comfort meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Calories: 290

Ingredients

  

Casserole

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or cubed
• 3 cups broccoli florets lightly steamed
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 0.5 cup low-fat milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme optional

Topping

• 0.5 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish
• Skillet
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Steam broccoli for 2–3 minutes until just tender, then drain.
3. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
4. Mix yogurt, milk, salt, pepper, and thyme in a bowl; add onion mixture.
5. Combine with chicken, broccoli, and cheeses.
6. Spread in baking dish and top with breadcrumb mixture.
7. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Notes

A lightened-up version of classic chicken casserole made with Greek yogurt instead of cream.

Nutrition Benefits

This casserole delivers all the comfort of a creamy chicken bake but without the excess calories or saturated fats. Each serving offers approximately:

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 33g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbs: 16g
• Fiber: 3g

It’s an excellent meal for those following high-protein, low-carb, or balanced diets.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the broccoli: Slightly under-steam it before baking—this helps retain its texture after baking.
• Use leftover chicken: Rotisserie or grilled chicken works perfectly and saves time.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour if needed.
• Add extra veggies: Try adding mushrooms, spinach, or cauliflower for more nutrients.
• Reheat smartly: Cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes to maintain moisture.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar or Gruyère.
• Tex-Mex Twist: Add a spoonful of salsa and a sprinkle of chili powder for a zesty flair.
• Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and feta cheese for a bright, tangy touch.

Serving Suggestions

• Main Dish: Serve it with a simple green salad and lemon vinaigrette.
• Family Dinner: Pair with garlic bread or roasted potatoes.
• Meal Prep Bowl: Enjoy with quinoa or brown rice for a balanced lunch.
• Kid-Friendly Meal: Spoon into smaller ramekins for individual portions.

Make-Ahead and Storage

To make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to the topping step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed.

To freeze: Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

To store leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Fun Fact:

Did you know the word casserole comes from the French term for “saucepan”? In the 1950s, casseroles became a staple of American family cooking because they were easy, affordable, and comforting—this version keeps that tradition alive while embracing modern nutrition.