This creamy, cozy casserole is one of those throw-it-all-in dishes that always hits the spot. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need something filling but still kinda healthy.
It’s packed with protein from chicken and cottage cheese, with broccoli adding some greens and a bit of crunch. I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count — it always disappears fast.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish has been a go-to in my family for years. My mom made a version of this growing up, and I gave it a little boost with cottage cheese for more protein and creaminess without using a ton of heavy cream.
- Super easy — just mix and bake
- Protein-packed and filling
- Great for meal prep
- You can sneak in more veggies
- Comfort food without being too heavy
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 cups small broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat or low fat)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Pro Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time
- Squeeze extra moisture from thawed frozen broccoli to avoid soggy casserole
- Don’t skip the eggs — they help bind everything together
- Bake uncovered for a crispy top
- Add some hot sauce or chili flakes for a little kick
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- 9×9 baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Substitutions and Variations
- Use quinoa or brown rice instead of white rice
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar
- Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese
- Add mushrooms or spinach for more veggies
- Make it spicy with jalapeños or red pepper flakes
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix everything together a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Just cover the baking dish with foil and bake it the next day. Add 5-10 more minutes to the cook time if baking from cold.
Servings & Cook Time
Servings: 4–6
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Recipe & Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F
Step 2: Steam the broccoli
Steam 2 cups of small broccoli florets for about 3–4 minutes until bright green and just tender, then let them cool slightly.
Step 3: Add shredded chicken and broccoli to the bowl
Add 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken and 2 cups of small broccoli florets to a large mixing bowl.
Step 4: Add rice, cottage cheese, cheeses, and seasonings
Add 1 cup of cooked white rice, 1 cup of cottage cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to the bowl with the chicken and steamed broccoli.
Step 5: Mix in beaten eggs
Add 2 lightly beaten eggs to the bowl and stir everything together until well combined.
Step 6: Transfer to baking dish
Spoon the mixture into a 9×9 baking dish and spread evenly.
Step 7: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered at 375°F for 30–35 minutes, until golden and bubbly on top.
Step 8: Serve
Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving warm.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months — just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Macros (Per Serving — Based on 6 Servings)
- Calories: ~310
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cottage cheese adds moisture and protein, while eggs help hold everything together. Broccoli adds a fresh crunch and color. Using pre-cooked chicken and rice saves time and lets the flavors blend without overcooking.
Common Mistakes
- Not draining broccoli — it can make the dish watery
- Forgetting to season — without the garlic, onion, and salt, it can taste flat
- Skipping the eggs — it won’t hold together well
- Overbaking — it’ll dry out, so keep an eye on it near the end
What to Serve With
- A simple side salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted carrots or green beans
- A light fruit salad for dessert
FAQ
Can I use raw chicken?
No, the chicken needs to be cooked before adding. Use rotisserie or leftovers.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based yogurt instead of cottage cheese.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess water first.
Can I double the recipe?
Yep! Use a 9×13 baking dish and bake 5–10 minutes longer.
Hope you try this one out and love it like I do! If you make it, drop a comment and let me know how it went or if you added your own twist!