If you’re craving a cozy, comforting classic that bursts with flavor in every bite, Nixon Chicken will absolutely hit the spot. Creamy, cheesy, with just the right touch of broccoli and tender rotisserie chicken, this bake is everything you want in a weeknight family dinner—and clean-up is a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy & Cheesy: Nixon Chicken delivers an irresistibly rich, velvety texture from mayonnaise, eggs, and cheddar—like a warm hug in every spoonful.
- Family-Friendly & Filling: Packed with chicken and broccoli all in one dish, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both little ones and grown-up appetites.
- So Simple to Make: Just mix, layer, and bake—it’s genuinely fuss-free, using mostly pantry or freezer staples you probably have on hand.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Nixon Chicken tastes just as fantastic reheated and even freezes beautifully for easy meal prep magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Nixon Chicken comes from a handful of familiar ingredients that work together to create the ultimate comfort food bake. Every single thing here brings its unique something—whether it’s creaminess, crunch, or pops of flavor and color.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 ounces): This is the creamy backbone of the dish—grab your favorite brand for best flavor and easy mixing.
- Onion (½, finely diced): Adds a subtle savoriness and a hint of sweetness, breaking up the richness.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): The secret weapon for that dreamy, decadent texture—don’t skip it!
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups, divided): Melty, golden, and oozy—use sharp cheddar for bolder taste.
- Eggs (2): Help everything set beautifully and lend extra richness to the casserole.
- Shredded Chicken (3 cups): Rotisserie chicken makes it fast, juicy, and full of flavor; you can use leftover chicken or poach your own too.
- Frozen Broccoli Florets (12 ounces): Colorful, slightly crisp, and the perfect veggie balance—no need to thaw before baking.
Variations
If you love tailoring recipes to your tastes (or what’s in the fridge!), Nixon Chicken welcomes your personal spin. Try these easy customizations so it’s always a perfect fit for you and your family.
- Dairy-Free Swap: Use your favorite plant-based mayo and vegan cheddar to make Nixon Chicken totally dairy-free, with all the creamy comfort!
- Add Some Crunch: Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers, seasoned breadcrumbs, or even crispy fried onions on top before baking for a delightful crispy finish.
- Spice It Up: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of Dijon mustard for a little extra kick and depth.
- Vegetable Variety: Don’t have broccoli? Try cauliflower, peas, or mixed frozen veggies—they all bake up beautifully.
How to Make Nixon Chicken
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350˚F. Set out all your ingredients: if you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces, and finely dice your onion for maximum flavor distribution. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish or 9×9-inch baking pan to keep sticking at bay and make cleanup a snap.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, diced onion, and eggs. Stir everything together until the eggs are well beaten and the mixture is super creamy—this luscious base is what makes Nixon Chicken so outrageously good!
Step 3: Add Chicken and Cheese
Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar and your prepared chicken. Fold until every bite of chicken is coated in that savory goodness—you’re building layers of comfort here!
Step 4: Layer Up with Broccoli
Spread the frozen broccoli florets evenly over the bottom of your greased dish. There’s no need to thaw them—just straight from the bag. This creates a flavorful veggie base and prevents the bake from turning soggy.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Pour your creamy chicken mixture right over the broccoli, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese all over the top so you’ll get that gorgeous golden finish after baking.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 45-55 minutes—Nixon Chicken is ready when the top is beautifully golden, bubbling around the edges, and the center is set. Let it rest for a few minutes, then dig in while the cheese is melty and glorious!
Pro Tips for Making Nixon Chicken
- No-Soggy Broccoli: Use frozen broccoli straight from the bag—don’t thaw—so it stays crisp and doesn’t water down your casserole.
- Cheese Matters: For that signature melt and sharpness, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded (which often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting).
- Rotisserie Shortcut: If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken makes Nixon Chicken a weeknight lifesaver—plus, it adds extra flavor!
- Let It Rest: Give your casserole 5–10 minutes to settle after baking; this makes it so much easier to slice and serve those picture-perfect portions.
How to Serve Nixon Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley wakes up the color and adds a lovely fresh touch to the rich, cheesy surface. You could also scatter on sliced green onions or a dusting of paprika for a pop of flavor and flair—Nixon Chicken loves a finishing flourish!
Side Dishes
Serve Nixon Chicken alongside fluffy white rice, buttered egg noodles, or a slice of crusty bread so nothing gets left behind on your plate. A crisp green salad or classic Caesar works wonderfully as a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to all that creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping Nixon Chicken into individual ramekins for cozy dinner party portions, or bake it in a deep-dish pie plate for a rustic, homestyle centerpiece. Leftovers make an amazing filling for baked potatoes or wrapped up in tortillas for an outrageously good lunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Nixon Chicken keeps beautifully—simply portion it into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for easy lunches, and the flavors deepen and mingle even more overnight.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer all-star! Nixon Chicken can be frozen before or after baking—just wrap tightly (foil or freezer-safe containers work well) and store for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Quick as can be: microwave leftovers in 30 second bursts, stirring between rounds for even warmth. Or reheat in the oven—cover with foil and heat at 350˚F until piping hot and bubbly once more. Nixon Chicken heats up like a dream!
FAQs
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Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just cut fresh broccoli into small florets and steam or microwave until just tender-crisp before layering it in—it’ll bake up perfectly underneath the creamy Nixon Chicken filling.
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What kind of chicken is best for Nixon Chicken?
Rotisserie chicken is quick, flavorful, and juicy, but any cooked and shredded chicken (baked, poached, or leftover roast) works great in this recipe. Just be sure it’s not overly seasoned.
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Can Nixon Chicken be made ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the whole casserole (unbaked), cover and refrigerate up to a day in advance. When ready to bake, let it sit out while the oven preheats for even cooking, then bake as usual.
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Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Nixon Chicken is perfect for parties or potlucks. Just double all the ingredients and bake in a deep 9×13-inch dish or two standard casseroles. The bake time may need a little boost—just watch for that lovely golden top.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to—Nixon Chicken is pure comfort, endlessly adaptable, and always a hit with family and friends. If you haven’t given it a try yet, I promise you’re in for something deliciously memorable. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy forkful!
Print
Nixon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Nixon Chicken is a comforting casserole dish featuring tender shredded chicken, broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 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 (such as rotisserie)
- 12 ounces frozen broccoli florets
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
- Prepare Mixture: In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, onion, mayonnaise, eggs, 1 cup of cheese, and chicken until combined.
- Layer Casserole: Spread broccoli in a 2-quart casserole dish. Pour soup mixture over broccoli and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Notes
- Pictured garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
- Storage: Store leftovers in meal-sized portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze before or after cooking for up to a month. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between. Alternatively, reheat covered in the oven.
- Scaling: Easily double for a crowd or halve for smaller servings. Use appropriate baking dishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
