Some nights, you just want a meal that feels like a warm hug without the heaviness that often comes with comfort food. This chicken broccoli casserole with yogurt does exactly that. It’s creamy and satisfying, yet surprisingly light thanks to the tangy Greek yogurt. The moment I pulled it out of the oven, I caught that golden crust bubbling in the corners, and the scent of garlic and thyme filled the kitchen — almost like a little promise of the cozy meal ahead.
One time, I was halfway distracted by a phone call while stirring the mixture, and I accidentally added a bit too much garlic. Instead of ruining the dish, it gave it a punch of flavor that everyone at the table noticed — and liked. It’s made me think that sometimes those small kitchen slip-ups lead to the best memories. It’s about the experience, not perfection.
Why You’ll Love It:
- The creamy texture feels indulgent but uses Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy twist.
- Fresh broccoli and tender chicken make it both wholesome and hearty.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point; no fancy ingredients, just honest comfort.
- The crunchy whole wheat cracker topping adds a satisfying contrast but isn’t too heavy.
- It’s a great way to sneak veggies into a dish that feels like a treat.
If you’re wondering about leftovers, they keep well for a couple of days in the fridge, making this casserole a practical choice for busy weeknights or lunches. Just reheat gently so the yogurt doesn’t separate and you’re good to go.
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Chicken Broccoli Casserole with Yogurt
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A creamy and healthy chicken broccoli casserole made with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist on a classic comfort dish.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup crushed whole wheat crackers
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Steam the broccoli florets until tender but still crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix well until smooth.
Add the shredded cooked chicken and steamed broccoli to the yogurt mixture. Stir gently to combine.
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the crushed whole wheat crackers evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I’ve always found a regular casserole dish works perfectly here — nothing fancy needed. Serving this alongside a simple green salad or even some crusty bread can round out the meal nicely. For a little variation, I’ve sometimes swapped fresh broccoli for frozen, though it changes the texture a bit. Occasionally, I add a handful of chopped walnuts on top for an unexpected crunch, but that’s just me experimenting. If you’re in a pinch, swapping sharp cheddar for a milder cheese doesn’t ruin the vibe — it just changes the flavor profile slightly.
FAQ:
Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep the mixture a day ahead and bake it fresh, which helps meld the flavors.
Is Greek yogurt essential? It keeps the casserole lighter and adds tang, but sour cream could work in a pinch — just expect a richer dish.
Can I freeze leftovers? Freezing isn’t recommended because the yogurt tends to separate and affect texture.
Ready to try a comforting casserole that feels like a little celebration on a weeknight? Save this recipe and let it be your go-to for cozy evenings.