Nixon Chicken Casserole is a vintage recipe full of hearty chicken, tender broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Nixon Chicken Casserole Recipe
Need an easy dish to make with the chicken you have hanging out in the fridge? This Nixon Chicken Casserole is just what you need!
I love this recipe because it’s so easy to throw together (only 10 minutes of prep time) and the whole family loves it.
This chicken and broccoli casserole is great for easy weeknight dinners or potlucks. It makes a generous 9 servings, so there’s plenty to go around!
Why is it called Nixon Chicken Casserole?
The recipe became popular after President Nixon mentioned in a White House interview that his wife Pan made a a cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole that he can’t get enough of.
This old recipe has been a staple family dinner favorite for decades thanks to its easy prep and delicious flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Because it’s full of veggies and chicken, I like to serve it with a fresh green salad or a side of rice or mashed potatoes to round the whole meal out.
More Chicken Casserole Recipes
- Ultimate Chicken Casserole
- Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole
- Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken
- Chicken Divan
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken – Use precooked shredded or diced boneless skinless chicken breasts.
- Mayo – Duke’s is my favorite for it’s creamy texture. Substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Cheese – Sharp shredded cheddar cheese. Substitute mozzarella.
- Condensed soup – Cream of mushroom soup or substitute cream of chicken.
- Broccoli – Frozen broccoli florets for easy prep.
- Onion – Grated sweet or white onion.
- Staples – Large eggs.
How to Make Nixon Chicken Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375F. Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick spray.
- Steam or microwave the broccoli for roughly 3-5 minutes to make it lightly tender but not too much.
- Place half of the broccoli in the bottom of the casserole dish.
- In a large bowl combine the chicken, soup, mayo, cheese, onion, and eggs. Stir to combine.
- Spread mixture over the broccoli. Top with remaining broccoli.
- Cover and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes or until the top is lightly golden brown.
- Remove and serve.
For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.
How long does it last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You bet! Assemble everything in the baking dish but don’t bake it. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
Remove from the fridge 10-15 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature.
Can I freeze it?
Assemble, bake, and freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Be sure to cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Tips for the Best Casserole
- Substitute fresh broccoli florets, lightly steamed.
- Use cream of chicken or cream of onion soup of desired.
- A rotisserie chicken is easiest or substitute leftover turkey.
- Stir in some water chestnuts for a vintage crunch.
- Want a crunchy topping? Use crushed potato chips, bread crumbs, or corn flakes.
- Cover it with foil for most of the baking time to keep everything tender and moist and remove in the last 10 minutes.
If you love this recipe as much as I do, pin this to your favorite casserole Pinterest board and share it on your favorite social media channels!
This Richard Nixon Chicken Casserole is quick to make on a busy night and full of protein and veggies. Flavors and textures the whole family will love!
Nixon Chicken Casserole Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken diced
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup mayo
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
- 2 tablespoons grated onion or 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 24-30 ounces frozen broccoli florets roughly 3 cups
Instructions
- Nixon Chicken CasserolePreheat oven to 375F.
- Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick spray.
- Steam or microwave the broccoli for roughly 3-5 minutes to make it lightly tender but not too much.
- Spread ½ of the broccoli in the bottom of the casserole dish.
- In a large bowl combine the chicken, soup, mayo, cheese, onion, and eggs. Stir to combine.
- Spread mixture over the broccoli.
- Top with remaining broccoli.
- Cover and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes or until the top is lightly golden brown.
- Remove and serve.
Notes
- Substitute fresh broccoli florets, lightly steamed.
- Use cream of chicken or cream of onion soup of desired.
- A rotisserie chicken is easiest or substitute leftover turkey.
- Stir in some water chestnuts for a vintage crunch.
- Want a crunchy topping? Use crushed potato chips, bread crumbs, or corn flakes.
- Cover it with foil for most of the baking time to keep everything tender and moist and remove in the last 10 minutes.
Nutrition
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