![Lightened-Up Chicken-Broccoli Casserole](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/TX3iTMlSXlfGpzuVahYUDIzMJ34=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2679001_SeptH_0210-2000-ee9c7788d6a3402b9449e05a7dab38ac-0f368799fad94644b456f37672ab9b0b.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
There are some duos that just go together: peas and carrots, Dolly Parton and country music, and chicken and broccoli, just to name a few. When it comes to dinnertime standbys, chicken and broccoli make a perfect pair. They're the classic meat-and-veggie combination because they're easy to cook, and they also inject both protein and other important nutrients into a meal. Those are just two of the reasons why these chicken and broccoli recipes have become family favorites for parents and kids alike.
Whether you’re looking for a pasta bake or a casserole with an infusion of unexpected flavor (Buffalo ranch, anyone?), these recipes will do just the trick. Take a whirl through some of our favorite recipes, and you're likely to find a new go-to to add to your family's weeknight rotation. (Not to mention lunchtime! Lots of these recipes pack up into excellent leftovers.)
Chicken-and-Broccoli Pasta Bake
![Chicken-and-Broccoli Pasta Bake](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/cALZpfQNfQ0da6F3gadPy80JbxM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Chicken_Broccoli_Baked_Ziti_0005-S-1-2000-a208a3b0384b4921b0d5614dbc8e81c4.jpg)
Few recipes can please a crowd quite like a pasta bake. This one incorporates tender, flavorful chicken with broccoli florets and gets cooked in the oven so that the cheese and pasta are browned and develop deliciously crunchy bits.
Buffalo Ranch Chicken-Broccoli Casserole
![Buffalo Ranch Chicken-Broccoli Casserole](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/5aqTuIa5asnxt09K1eN52G_K_es=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2679001_SeptH_0338-2000-06e2657cfee340e5b7d546b3b7e93ba1.jpg)
Buffalo ranch is a favorite family flavor, and this chicken-and-broccoli casserole makes the most of its zip and tang. Forget the wings and dig into this memorable dish, which is made with dill, brown rice, broccoli, carrots, and Buffalo-style hot sauce.
Sheet Pan Broccoli-and-Chicken Casserole
![Sheet Pan Broccoli-and-Chicken Casserole](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/CHut7a4X1OUNXt-SyRhGsOcQDTE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27179-Suppertime_Broccoli_11657_16x9-d467479cd10c458b955ca1cd4accb844.jpg)
Did you know you could make a chicken-and-broccoli casserole on a sheet pan? Once you try it, you may never go back to baking dishes. The thin layer of casserole gets irresistibly crunchy in the oven and helps to imbue each bite with deliciously savory flavor. It doesn't get easier than this.
Pimiento Cheese Chicken-Broccoli Casserole
![Pimiento Cheese Chicken-Broccoli Casserole](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/PAbMn8PMLNyEEwKjzakfz1ZuBbo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2679001_SeptH_0305-2000-689769e553954767bffab13e39898adf.jpg)
The weeknight classic chicken-and-broccoli casserole gets a distinctly Southern spin here with the addition of pimiento cheese, making it zesty and creamy and totally perfect for a party. A bonus? It's also lightened up a bit, so you won't mind eating it on repeat until all the leftovers have disappeared.
Chicken And Broccoli Skillet Pasta
![Chicken-and-Broccoli Skillet Pasta](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/G1E4wPnpLPFbAjLVhI2P16LURb8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2644801_Chicken_and_Broccoli_Skillet_Pasta_100-2000-0748a7d3070a4e3cb50c0f104d533b51-4ae1ec1fbcef46d39625867741e86e5a.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
If you don't have a skillet pasta in your weeknight rotation, you really should. Few recipes are as easy as this one, which throws together ingredients like chicken, broccoli, cheeses, bacon, and peppers to make a scrumptious supper.
Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake
![Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/hz8QrVtad-WC6W5wPhIafUWIJ_E=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pasta-chicken-broccoli_bake_2138001_18864-2000-705c33aacc314881923bfa805c28f0b4.jpg)
Another excellent pasta bake for a family, this dish incorporates not only chicken, broccoli, and pasta, but also red peppers, Parmesan cheese, pecans, crushed crackers, and sweet onion for the ultimate in flavor and texture.
Mushroom And Thyme Chicken-Broccoli Casserole
![Mushroom and Thyme Chicken-Broccoli Casserole](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/1fXqBhFcfjgx50x0vuvDW19EN0s=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2679001_SeptH_0266-2000-a47546ff424d4a5e8230b3de4f1a18ff.jpg)
When you want to elevate the chicken-and-broccoli combination into art (or just make it appropriate for a dinner party), add a few unexpected ingredients. That's just what this casserole does, melding the classic dinnertime flavors with fontina cheese, cremini mushrooms, brown rice, and fresh thyme.
Crispy Onions and Parmesan Chicken-Broccoli Casserole
![Crispy Onions and Parmesan Chicken-Broccoli Casserole](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/s4cIhZ9FqHUJ7MPWPsgOWRseE4s=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2679001_SeptH_0239-2000-8097378c02bc4eeb975009bd0cdfdf4b.jpg)
Crispy onions make everything taste better, don't you think? They certainly jazz up this chicken-broccoli casserole, which is studded with Parmesan and gets its creaminess from rice, milk, and mozzarella.
Lightened-Up Chicken-Broccoli Casserole
![Lightened-Up Chicken-Broccoli Casserole](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/4PmNJd7MxR9TAo26y0SFpUlO6dU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2679001_SeptH_0210-2000-ee9c7788d6a3402b9449e05a7dab38ac.jpg)
If you'd like to make a chicken-and-broccoli casserole but are hoping to try a more health-conscious recipe, look to this lightened-up version, which incorporates reduced-fat milk and cheese as well as brown rice and whole wheat panko breadcrumbs.
Chicken-And-Rice Bake With Broccolini
![Southern Living Chicken-and-Rice Bake with Broccolini in pan with serving spoon](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/2PVFB__tbMz4vOwWXU1MTrMJpKw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living_27386_ST_-Spring-Mix_19633-4b226eaa399042bfb9b67039e6648c13.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
This comfort dish recipe takes everything you love about a chicken and rice casserole and adds in some veggies. Plus, you can swap the broccolini for broccoli if desired.
Chicken Divan
![Chicken Divan](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/1jxWaFRYlbm7eDm6E77a9fd-yWw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/heirloom_05_166_0-2000-5e99813636f64848b220cefb97a1c549.jpg)
This classic recipe has roots in the 1950s, when it was made in the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in Hotel Chatham in New York City. It has been a kitchen favorite ever since thanks to its easy prep and deliciously rich ingredients.
Cheesy Broccoli-And-Rice Casserole
![Cheesy Broccoli-And-Rice Casserole](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/cebp6MLcMV9hp1k2OZAHqm9BzgY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Cheesy-Broccoli-and-Rice-Casserole_Beauty_32652-8203bd4eb5fa42b4bcc70d7e9139c1b7.jpg)
Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Though the recipe doesn't technically call for chicken, it suggests stirring in shredded or diced chicken to make it a full meal. The crispy panko on top gives it a nice crunch to balance the creaminess.