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How to Make a From-Scratch Easy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Without Canned Soup!

How to Make a From-Scratch Easy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Without Canned Soup!

By Mona - Far From The Farm
January 31, 2026
Creamy from-scratch chicken and broccoli casserole made without canned soup. Easy comfort food for busy family dinners!
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Makes: 6 servings
Approximate cost $10
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 534

Ingredients
  

The Casserole Mixture
  • 2-3 cups cooked chicken - cubed or shredded
  • 16 oz bag frozen broccoli pieces - about 3 cups
  • 6 tbsp salted butter
  • 2 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tbsp chicken bouillon powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheese - Mexican blend or cheddar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Topping
  • 2 cups crushed crackers - Club or Ritz work great
  • 4 tbsp salted butter - melted

Equipment

  • Large dutch oven
  • Measuring jugs, cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Silicone spatulas
  • mixing bowls
  • Serving spoon

Method
 

Prepare the Broccoli
  1. Place frozen broccoli in a colander and allow it to partially thaw for about 30 minutes. This helps reduce excess moisture in the casserole.
Make the Sauce
  1. In a large dutch oven over low to medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons butter.
    Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 3 minutes until smooth and lightly cooked. Slowly whisk in the milk, water, and chicken bouillon powder.
    Cook for about 5 minutes, whisking frequently, until slightly thickened.
Finish the Sauce
  1. Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Add Chicken and Broccoli
  1. Stir the cooked chicken and broccoli into the sauce until evenly coated.
Prepare the Topping
  1. In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter until evenly combined.
Assemble and Bake
  1. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole. Cover with the lid and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Finish Baking
  1. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
Rest and Serve
  1. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • This casserole is creamy but not overly thick. It will continue to set slightly as it cools.
  • Feel free to swap the cheese based on what you have on hand.
  • Using pre-cooked chicken saves significant time on busy days.
 

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently to avoid drying out the sauce.
  • This casserole can be frozen after baking, though the texture is best when enjoyed fresh.
 

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Nutrition

Calories: 534kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 24gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 122mgSodium: 1137mgPotassium: 568mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1468IUVitamin C: 68mgCalcium: 310mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.