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Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only, not medical advice. Always consult with a doctor before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen at 5 p.m. wondering what to make with what’s in your fridge, I’ve been there too. That’s exactly how this chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole was born out of necessity, a hungry family, and a fridge that wasn’t exactly stocked. I had some leftover rotisserie chicken, a bag of frozen broccoli, a tub of cottage cheese nearing its “use-by” date, and a craving for something cheesy and comforting. This casserole came together so fast and turned out so surprisingly creamy, it’s now a go-to in our house.
In this post, we’re going to walk through every detail of making this casserole from ingredient swaps to how to make it healthier, plus tips for prepping ahead. You’ll also get answers to common questions like how to use cottage cheese in other recipes and what to try if you’re skipping dairy.
If you love simple meals that come together in one pan and taste like you fussed, you’re going to love this.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know
- Chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole is a creamy, protein-packed, low-prep dinner perfect for weeknights.
- You can use frozen or fresh broccoli, rotisserie chicken, and even leftover rice or pasta.
- Cottage cheese adds a rich, creamy texture without heavy cream.
- Easily adaptable for low-carb, high-protein, or gluten-free diets.
- Prep in advance, freeze before baking, or use leftovers to reinvent lunch the next day.
- Inspired by popular casseroles like chicken broccoli rice casserole and Tuscan chicken casserole.
The Story Behind My Chicken Broccoli and Cottage Cheese Casserole
What makes this chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole so comforting?
This chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole isn’t just another midweek dinner it’s one of those meals that wraps you up like a warm blanket on a cold evening. The first time I made it, we were deep into soccer season. I’d been shuttling the kids from practice to piano lessons and hadn’t even thought about dinner until we walked in the door, all of us starving and tired.
I stared into the fridge: cottage cheese, some leftover grilled chicken from two nights ago, a sad bag of frozen broccoli I kept meaning to use, and a half-used block of cheddar. Normally, I’d think “mac and cheese,” maybe even my macaroni and cheese with evaporated milk. But something told me to try something new heartier, more filling, and ideally with some green in it.
What came out of that oven was golden, cheesy, and bubbling with flavor. It had the richness of a creamy casserole, the brightness of broccoli, and the tangy richness of cottage cheese all balanced with savory chicken. Best part? My picky eater asked for seconds. And that almost never happens.
Why cottage cheese in a casserole?
Let’s talk about the surprise hero of this dish: cottage cheese. I know, it doesn’t get the same love as cream cheese or sour cream, but trust me it deserves a comeback. Cottage cheese adds a creamy, slightly tangy base without being heavy. It’s loaded with protein and brings a lightness that balances the richness of cheddar and mayo (if you choose to add it).
In fact, once I saw how well it worked here, I started experimenting more. Now I stir cottage cheese into scrambled eggs, use it in my lemon chicken pasta with dairy substitute, and even fold it into jerk chicken pasta to tone down the spice without sacrificing creaminess.
It’s affordable, accessible, and versatile three things busy moms like me live for.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli and Cottage Cheese Casserole
What ingredients do you need for chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole?
To make chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole, you’ll need cooked chicken, frozen or fresh broccoli, cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, eggs, and seasoning. Optional additions include mayo, garlic powder, or breadcrumbs for topping.
Here’s the simple ingredient list I keep coming back to. It’s flexible, affordable, and perfect for using up what’s in the fridge:
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Notes/Substitutes |
|---|---|
| 2 cups cooked chicken | Rotisserie, grilled, or leftover |
| 3 cups broccoli | Frozen or fresh, chopped into florets |
| 1 ½ cups cottage cheese | Full fat or low fat both work well |
| 1 cup shredded cheddar | Sharp adds the most flavor |
| 2 eggs | For binding |
| 2 tbsp mayo (optional) | Adds extra creaminess especially in mayo-based casseroles |
| 1 tsp garlic powder | Or minced garlic |
| Salt & pepper to taste | |
| Breadcrumbs (optional) | For crunchy topping |
What’s the best method for assembling the casserole?
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish. Steam or microwave your broccoli until just tender it shouldn’t be mushy. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cottage cheese, cheddar, eggs, mayo, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Fold in the broccoli last so it doesn’t break apart too much. Pour the mixture into your greased dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle with extra cheese or breadcrumbs if you like a golden top (we always do!).
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is lightly browned. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up so it slices cleanly.
Looking for a rice version? You’ll love my chicken broccoli rice casserole a reader favorite.
Chicken Broccoli Casserole Variations That Actually Work
How can you customize a cheesy chicken broccoli casserole bake?
You can customize a chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole by adding pasta, rice, or stuffing mix, swapping cheeses, or using different sauces. These changes let you tailor the flavor, texture, and nutrition to your family’s taste.
This recipe is like a blank canvas. Here’s how I mix it up depending on what I have on hand or which child is boycotting broccoli this week.
Easy Add-Ins:
- Cooked pasta or rice – Just 1 to 2 cups can turn it into a heartier dish. Try adding elbow macaroni like in my macaroni and cheese recipe.
- Quinoa or cauliflower rice – For a lower-carb option that still adds body.
- Sautéed onions or mushrooms – Adds umami and depth, especially great in cooler months.
- Rotel tomatoes – For a zesty twist like in Rotel chicken pasta.
Favorite Cheese Combos:
- Use Monterey Jack or Colby for a creamier melt.
- Stir in a little Parmesan for that salty, nutty edge.
- Add cream cheese for an ultra-silky base similar to the marry me chicken pasta flavor profile.
What if you want that classic Campbell’s chicken broccoli casserole taste?
To mimic that nostalgic Campbell’s-style chicken broccoli casserole, stir in one can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup and a few tablespoons of mayonnaise. You can even top it with crushed Ritz crackers for that golden, buttery finish.
Sound familiar? That’s because dishes like Campbell’s chicken broccoli cheese casserole and cheesy chicken broccoli casserole bake have been cozy dinner staples for decades. But using cottage cheese as the creamy base gives you that same comfort with more protein and fewer preservatives.
Healthy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Alternatives That Still Taste Good
How can you make this chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole healthier?
To make this chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole healthier, use low-fat cottage cheese, skip the mayo, add more veggies, and reduce or replace the cheese topping with nutritional yeast or light cheese.
The beauty of this dish is that it’s already packed with lean protein and fiber-rich broccoli. But with just a few tweaks, you can make it even more wholesome—without losing that satisfying creamy texture.
Healthier Swaps You’ll Love:
- Low-fat cottage cheese: Still creamy, less fat.
- No mayo: Skip it entirely or replace with plain Greek yogurt.
- Extra veggies: Add chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell pepper to bulk it up with color and nutrients.
- No breadcrumbs? No problem. Toasted almond slivers or crushed cornflakes give crunch with less starch.
- Light cheese: Use part-skim mozzarella or skip the top layer if you’re watching calories.
Looking for more lightened-up dinners? Try my dairy-smart twist on lemon chicken pasta or the veggie-loaded Tuscan chicken casserole.
Real-life review: “Even my teenage son liked it.”
One of my readers, Sarah M. from Ohio, sent me this after trying the recipe:
“I was skeptical about the cottage cheese I’m usually a cream-of-something soup kind of girl. But wow. This casserole was creamy, filling, and way lighter than I expected. Even my teenage son liked it, and he usually turns his nose up at anything green. Total win.”
That’s exactly why I love sharing recipes like this because they’re real-food friendly, budget-friendly, and picky-eater tested.
Meal Prep and Freezer Tips for Chicken Broccoli and Cottage Cheese Casserole
Can you freeze chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole?
Yes, you can freeze chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole. Assemble it fully but do not bake. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F, adding 15–20 minutes to the cook time.
As a mom of three, freezer meals are my lifeline during hectic weeks. This casserole freezes beautifully, and it reheats without turning soggy thanks to the sturdy texture of cottage cheese and broccoli.
How to Freeze:
- Assemble the unbaked casserole in an aluminum or freezer-safe dish.
- Cover it with a layer of plastic wrap, then foil.
- Label it with the date and cooking instructions.
- Freeze flat for even thawing.
To Bake from Frozen:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Remove plastic wrap but keep foil on.
- Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake 15 more for a golden top.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftovers? You might not have any. But if you do, this dish is super versatile.
Reinvent It:
- Stuff into wraps: Warm a tortilla, add casserole, a sprinkle of hot sauce or shredded lettuce, and boom lunch.
- Serve over rice or pasta: Turn it into a creamy chicken broccoli bowl.
- Egg bake: Chop leftovers and fold into beaten eggs with spinach. Bake into mini muffins or a crustless quiche.
It’s just like how I turn marry me chicken pasta without heavy cream into next-day lunch bowls.
And if you’re hosting? Pair a reheated slice with a side of jiffy corn casserole or a fresh salad, and dinner’s done in under 10.
Serving Suggestions and Real-Life Success With Chicken Broccoli and Cottage Cheese Casserole
What’s the best way to serve chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole?
Serve your chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole hot from the oven with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides like jiffy corn casserole or a crisp apple slaw.
If I’m feeding a crowd or bringing it to a potluck, I double the recipe and serve it with:
- Garlic bread or soft rolls
- Steamed carrots or green beans
- A side of macaroni and cheese if the kids want something extra
Want to make it a full Sunday dinner? Add a slice of my sweet potato casserole for a sweet-savory balance that never fails.
Reader Spotlight: “It’s officially in our weekly rotation.”
Jessica R., a working mom in Kansas, sent this in after trying my chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole with her family of five:
“I had zero expectations because my husband isn’t a fan of broccoli, and my youngest says cottage cheese is ‘weird.’ But they both went back for seconds. I used leftover chicken from your marry me chicken pasta, and the whole dish came together in 30 minutes. It’s officially in our weekly rotation now.”
It’s stories like these that remind me why I started this site real food, for real families, with zero guilt and maximum flavor.
FAQs About Chicken Broccoli and Cottage Cheese Casserole
What are some variations of chicken casseroles?
Some popular chicken casserole variations include chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole, chicken and rice casserole, and spicy versions like hot cowgirl casserole.
How can cottage cheese be used in other recipes?
Cottage cheese is perfect for adding creaminess and protein to meals. Beyond chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole, try it in:
Scrambled eggs or omelets
Pasta dishes like creamy Tuscan chicken pasta
Healthy lasagna filling
Blended into smoothies for extra protein
What are healthy casserole alternatives?
Healthy alternatives to traditional casseroles include:
Chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole with low-fat cheese and no mayo
Swapping breadcrumbs for almond flour
Using cauliflower rice instead of pasta or white rice
Baking casseroles without cream-based soups
How does this casserole compare to Campbell’s chicken broccoli casserole?
This homemade chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole offers a fresher, less processed twist on the classic Campbell’s chicken broccoli cheese casserole. Instead of condensed soup, it uses cottage cheese and real cheddar for creaminess, giving it that homemade flavor without added preservatives.
Can I use frozen broccoli in this chicken casserole?
Yes, and I do it all the time. Frozen broccoli is convenient and budget-friendly. Just steam it lightly before mixing it into your chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole to avoid excess water in the bake.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re trying to use up leftovers, feed a crowd, or get a nourishing dinner on the table fast, chicken broccoli and cottage cheese casserole is a winner. It’s endlessly adaptable, freezer-friendly, and loved by even the pickiest eaters.
If you’re just starting out or want something creamy and comforting that doesn’t take all night to prep, this dish is for you. From one busy mom to another I promise, this one’s worth making.
