Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, wholesome, and easy-to-make dinner, this Chicken Broccoli Bake is the recipe for you. With tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy topping, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into a family-friendly meal. The combination of juicy chicken and fresh broccoli, all baked together with cheesy goodness, makes this recipe an instant crowd-pleaser.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli

1. Cook and Shred the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook the chicken breasts by baking, boiling, or using rotisserie chicken. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Steam the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still vibrant green. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Ingredients: In your prepared baking dish, spread the shredded chicken evenly across the bottom. Next, layer the steamed broccoli on top of the chicken.
2. Add the Cheese Sauce: Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken and broccoli, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce.

Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping

1. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Stir until the crackers are well-coated.
2. Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs over the cheese layer to give the casserole a crispy, crunchy topping.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the sauce is bubbly, and the cracker topping is golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish and Serve: Once the Chicken Broccoli Bake is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Broccoli Bake

This dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to make your meal complete:

With a Side Salad:

• Serve this casserole with a simple green salad or Caesar salad to add a fresh, crisp element to your meal.

With Bread:

• A warm slice of garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls makes a perfect companion to this creamy casserole.

With Rice or Potatoes:

• If you want to make the meal more substantial, pair the casserole with mashed potatoes, wild rice, or herbed quinoa.

Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli Bake

• Use Fresh or Frozen Broccoli: If fresh broccoli isn’t available, frozen broccoli works just as well. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before using.
• Make it Healthier: To lighten the recipe, substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie option.
• Add More Veggies: You can toss in additional vegetables like carrots, peas, or mushrooms to make the dish even more nutritious.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to use different cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Colby Jack for a twist on the classic cheddar flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just a few steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: The creamy texture and cheesy flavor are a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding more vegetables, changing the cheese, or using different proteins like turkey or ham.
• Leftovers for Lunch: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it an ideal option for meal prep or leftovers.

Storing and Reheating

Storing:

• In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: For individual portions, reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high.

Freezing:

• Freezing: This Chicken Broccoli Bake freezes well. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

This Chicken Broccoli Bake is the perfect all-in-one meal that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce with a crunchy topping. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this casserole is an easy, delicious option that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a win-win for any home cook!

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
   Yes! While cheddar is classic, you can try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even gouda for a different flavor.
2. Can I add other vegetables?
   Definitely! Carrots, peas, or spinach would make excellent additions to this casserole.
3. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
   Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Just shred it and add it to the recipe.
4. How can I make this casserole healthier?
   You can lighten the recipe by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise, and opt for low-fat cheese.
5. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Yield: 6

Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

Print

If you’re looking for a comforting, wholesome, and easy-to-make dinner, this Chicken Broccoli Bake is the recipe for you. With tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy topping, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner. Plus, it's a great way to sneak some veggies into a family-friendly meal. The combination of juicy chicken and fresh broccoli, all baked together with cheesy goodness, makes this recipe an instant crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
• 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli:
   Cook the chicken breasts by boiling, baking, or pan-frying, then cut them into cubes. Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender-crisp.
3. Make the Creamy Mixture:
   In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise or sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Assemble the Bake:
   In the prepared baking dish, layer the cubed chicken and broccoli florets. Pour the creamy mixture over the top and spread it evenly to cover the chicken and broccoli.
5. Add Cheese:
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
6. Optional Topping:
   If you want a crunchy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them over the cheese layer.
7. Bake:
   Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
8. Serve:
   Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it on its own or with a side of rice or pasta.

Notes

Cream of Chicken Soup Substitute: You can make a homemade version by whisking together 1 cup of chicken broth with 1/2 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of flour over medium heat until thickened.

Cheese Options: You can use other types of cheese like mozzarella or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.

Low-Carb Option: Skip the breadcrumbs and serve the bake as a low-carb meal.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.