Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier after baking.

Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Cook the broccoli for about three minutes. Drain well and let it cool slightly before using.

Spread the cooked shredded chicken evenly in the baking dish. Make sure it covers the entire bottom. This creates the first layer of flavor.

Place the broccoli over the chicken layer. Spread it evenly so every serving gets a good amount of vegetables.

In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and broccoli. Use a spoon to spread it evenly across the casserole.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. The cheese adds richness and creates a delicious golden finish.

Mix the crushed crackers with melted butter. Stir until all crumbs are coated. This topping adds a wonderful crunchy texture.

Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the cheese. Try to cover the entire surface for the best results.

Bake for about 30 minutes. The top should be golden brown and bubbly. Let it rest for five minutes before serving.