If you’re in search of the ultimate comfort casserole, you absolutely can’t miss Nixon Chicken. Picture juicy rotisserie chicken, tender broccoli, and melty cheddar cheese, all hugged by a creamy, savory sauce and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s that weekday dinner you look forward to all day—and the leftovers are even better the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Insanely Creamy & Cheesy: The mayonnaise and cream of mushroom blend into a rich sauce, while two layers of cheddar make every bite irresistibly gooey.
- Weeknight Friendly: You can prep Nixon Chicken in just 10 minutes, then let the oven do all the work—no fuss required.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters warm up to the combination of juicy chicken, broccoli, and melty cheese (hello, veggies-in-disguise!)
- Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole stores and reheats beautifully, making lunch or dinner the next day just as exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Nixon Chicken is wonderfully short and each element is a building block to flavor and texture. Gather these basics, and you’re halfway to casserole bliss—the creamy sauce, cheesy top, and those hidden vegetables really set this recipe apart!
- Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz can): Lends savory, creamy depth without the hassle of making a sauce from scratch.
- Onion, finely diced: Gives a sweet, aromatic lift to the casserole, and practically melts into the sauce.
- Mayonnaise: Elevates the creaminess and gives the dish its signature rich, cohesive texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Provides bold, melty flavor—some in the filling, some for that golden crown on top.
- Eggs: Help bind the filling together and keep every scoopful firm but silken.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: Infuses savory flavor and makes prep a breeze—use leftovers or a store-bought bird.
- Frozen broccoli florets: Add bursts of green color and a satisfying tender bite without any extra chopping.
Variations
Nixon Chicken is endlessly adaptable, making it a reliable go-to whether you want to use up what you have in the fridge or accommodate dietary preferences. Think of this as a friendly invitation to play with flavors—there are so many ways to make this dish your own!
- Swap the cheese: Try swapping cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even Gruyère for a different cheesy twist.
- Add a crunchy topping: Sprinkle crushed crackers or buttery breadcrumbs over the cheese for extra crunch and color.
- Vegetable-friendly: Add extra veggies (like peas, mushrooms, or chopped red pepper) for even more color and nutrients.
- Low-carb option: Substitute cauliflower florets for part or all of the broccoli to reduce carbs without sacrificing fullness or flavor.
How to Make Nixon Chicken
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350˚F (175˚C) so it’s good and hot by the time your casserole goes in. While the oven warms up, grab a 2-quart casserole dish or a 9×9 inch baking pan and give it a quick spritz with nonstick spray to make serving (and cleanup!) a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, finely diced onion, mayonnaise, and eggs. Stir everything together until smooth and well blended. Then, fold in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and your shredded rotisserie chicken until everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Scatter the frozen broccoli florets evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pour the chicken and sauce mixture over the broccoli, gently smoothing it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, so you know every bite will be crowned with melty, golden goodness.
Step 4: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Slide your Nixon Chicken casserole into the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling center and a gorgeous, deep golden-brown cheese topping. Let it cool for a few minutes before scooping—it sets up as it rests, making the slices picture-perfect!
Pro Tips for Making Nixon Chicken
- Broccoli Placement: Lining the bottom of your casserole dish with frozen broccoli (no thawing necessary!) keeps veggies tender without going mushy.
- Shredded Chicken Shortcut: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend, but poached or roasted chicken breasts work just as well—just shred them finely for the creamiest texture.
- Extra Golden Top: Broil for a minute or two at the end (keep a close eye!) for that ultra-crisp, bubbly cheese crust everyone fights over.
- Cheese Choices Matter: Shred your own cheese if you can—it melts better and avoids that pre-shredded anti-caking stuff.
How to Serve Nixon Chicken
Garnishes
For a pop of color and a fresh, herby flavor, garnish Nixon Chicken straight out of the oven with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. A little cracked black pepper or even thinly sliced green onions can add a gentle zip that brings each serving to life.
Side Dishes
This cozy casserole pairs like a dream with fluffy rice, egg noodles, or a warm hunk of crusty bread that’s just begging to soak up that creamy sauce. For a lighter contrast, serve with a bright green salad or simple roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family dinner, serve Nixon Chicken right from the bubbly baking dish at the table—it’s a showstopper. Hosting? Dish it into individual ramekins, or top each portion with a little extra cheddar and parsley for a restaurant-style touch. For meal prep, divide the casserole into single-serving containers for the week ahead.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Nixon Chicken leftovers keep like a dream! Divide any extras into meal-size airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners all week long.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly both before and after baking. If you want to prep Nixon Chicken ahead, assemble the dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake or reheat as usual for a stress-free meal.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350˚F oven until bubbly and piping hot.
FAQs
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Can I assemble Nixon Chicken in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble Nixon Chicken up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
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Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli florets—just chop them small for even cooking. You may want to blanch or microwave them briefly for tender results, since frozen broccoli softens as it bakes.
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What’s the best way to shred chicken for Nixon Chicken?
Rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver—simply remove the skin and use two forks, your hands, or even a stand mixer with paddle attachment to get nice, shreds that blend well into the sauce.
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Can I double (or halve) this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! To feed a crowd, double all ingredients and use a 9×13 inch deep baking dish (or split between two smaller dishes). For a smaller batch, halve everything and bake in a loaf pan or small casserole.
Final Thoughts
When you need a little dinnertime magic, Nixon Chicken never disappoints—it’s cozy, creamy, and packed with homey flavor in every forkful. Give it a try soon, and don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your family’s recipe rotation!
Print
Nixon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Nixon Chicken is a comforting casserole dish that combines tender shredded chicken, creamy mushroom sauce, and cheesy goodness, all baked to perfection with broccoli. It’s a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Casserole:
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup (1 can)
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 eggs
- 3 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie)
- 12 ounces frozen broccoli florets
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, onion, mayonnaise, eggs, 1 cup of cheese, and shredded chicken.
- Layer casserole: Spread broccoli in a casserole dish, pour the soup mixture over it, and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Notes
- Pictured garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
- Store leftovers in meal-size portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze before or after cooking, store well for up to a month. Thaw overnight before baking or warming up.
- Reheat in microwave in 30-second increments or in the oven covered with foil.
- Recipe can be doubled for more servings or halved for smaller portions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
