Easy Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole You’ll Make Again and Again
There’s something magical about a bubbling casserole that greets you with the comforting aroma of cheddar, garlic, and buttery biscuits. This Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Casserole was born out of a craving for something cozy—like chicken and dumplings—but with a twist. I wanted more flavor, fewer steps, and something undeniably crave-worthy. One night, with leftover rotisserie chicken and a bunch of fresh broccoli on hand, this golden-topped masterpiece came to life. Since then, it’s become my go-to for busy weeknights, Sunday family dinners, and even potlucks where everyone asks for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This
🧀 Ultra-comforting: Think creamy, cheesy, and hearty—perfect for when you need a food hug.
🌿 Sneaky way to eat veggies: Even picky eaters go back for seconds of this broccoli-filled beauty.
🍗 Rotisserie chicken shortcut: Big flavor, less time in the kitchen.
🧄 Garlic butter biscuits on top: Enough said.
🏆 Crowd-pleaser: From kids to grandparents, this dish wins every time.
When a Picky Eater Asked for Seconds…
My nephew, a known broccoli skeptic and cheese snob (don’t ask), took one look at this casserole and gave me the look. You know, the polite but skeptical side-eye kids give to anything green. But the moment he took a bite, he stopped talking and didn’t come up for air until his plate was clean. He even asked if there was more! If he loved it, trust me—anyone will.
What Makes It Special
🥦 Fresh broccoli florets: Tender yet toothsome, adding color and bite.
🍗 Rotisserie chicken: Juicy and flavorful, no extra cooking required.
🧀 Shredded sharp cheddar: Melty, bold, and rich—this cheese means business.
🧄 Garlic butter biscuits: Store-bought or homemade, brushed with melted butter and garlic powder for that golden finish.
🧅 Caramelized onion: Sweet and savory, tying everything together.
Making It Happen
Start by sautéing diced onion in a little butter until soft and golden—it builds the flavor base. Stir in fresh chopped broccoli and cook for just a few minutes to brighten the color and soften slightly. Add flour, whisk in milk and a splash of chicken broth, and stir until you have a rich, velvety sauce. Fold in shredded cheddar until it melts into a dreamy, cheesy coating.
Add chopped rotisserie chicken and mix everything together. Pour the mixture into a buttered casserole dish. Then, top with biscuit dough—spaced out so the tops crisp but the bottoms soak up some sauce. Brush each biscuit with garlic butter and bake until golden and bubbling, and the biscuits are cooked through. The smell alone will have everyone hovering near the oven.
You Must Know: Tips for Best Results
Use sharp cheddar for maximum cheesy flavor—it holds up better than mild.
Par-cook broccoli slightly for a perfect tender-crisp bite.
Don’t overcrowd the biscuits on top—they need room to rise and brown.
Fresh garlic in the butter = game-changer for flavor depth.
Let it rest 5–10 minutes after baking to thicken the sauce and prevent burns.
Serving Ideas
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted carrots or glazed green beans
Chilled white wine like Chardonnay or a sparkling apple cider
Make It Different
Want to switch it up? Here’s how:
🥛 Make it lighter: Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheddar.
🐓 Skip the chicken: Sub in sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.
🥓 Add bacon: Crumble crispy bacon into the mix or on top for a smoky touch.
🌾 Gluten-free: Use GF biscuit dough and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.
🧀 Change the cheese: Swap cheddar for Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a mix.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short bursts.
Freeze before baking: Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.
Casserole Success Tips
Always taste the sauce before layering—adjust salt, pepper, and garlic as needed.
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving for better slicing and texture.
For extra golden biscuits, broil the top for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch carefully!).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and drain it well to avoid extra moisture in the sauce.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it up to 24 hours ahead and store covered in the fridge before baking.
What kind of biscuits should I use?
Pillsbury-style refrigerated biscuits work great, or use homemade drop biscuit dough for a rustic finish.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Definitely! This is perfect for post-holiday leftovers.
How do I know the biscuits are done?
They should be golden on top and firm underneath. Insert a toothpick to check for doughiness if unsure.
📋 Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dinner / Casserole
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Filling:
2 tbsp butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
½ cup chicken broth
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Biscuit Topping:
1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
2 tbsp melted butter
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
Add broccoli and sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in milk and broth.
Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
Stir in cheddar until melted and smooth. Add chicken, then season with salt and pepper.
Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish.
Top with biscuits, spaced evenly.
Mix melted butter and garlic powder. Brush over biscuits.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until biscuits are golden and casserole is bubbling.
Cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Can be made vegetarian by omitting chicken and adding mushrooms or more veggies.
Use full-fat dairy for the richest flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Whisk
Casserole dish (9×13)
Pastry brush
Mixing spoon
Allergy Info
Contains dairy, gluten, and wheat.
Can be modified for gluten-free and dairy-free diets with suitable alternatives.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. Always consult a professional nutritionist if needed.
