Easy Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe for Comforting Family Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering chicken broccoli bake brings comfort and joy to your dinner table.

Creamy textures mingle with crisp vegetable notes in this hearty dish.

Weeknight meals demand simplicity, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Tender chicken pieces nestled among vibrant green broccoli florets create a delightful visual feast.

Cheese adds a golden, melty crown that transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Quick assembly means you can have this nutritious meal ready in under an hour.

Dive into a plate that promises warmth, satisfaction, and pure culinary happiness.

FAQs

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken broccoli bake ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. Assemble the dish, cover with foil, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen broccoli completely and drain excess water before adding to the mixture. Pat it dry to prevent the dish from becoming watery.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or shredded chicken breasts are perfect. Ensure the chicken is cooked and chopped or shredded into bite-sized pieces before mixing with other ingredients.

Why Chicken Broccoli Bake Is a Family Favorite

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Combine all ingredients in one dish, creating a hassle-free meal that saves you precious cooking time and minimizes kitchen cleanup.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Blend creamy chicken, tender broccoli, and melted cheese into a satisfying casserole that appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, hearty flavors.
• Nutritious One-Pan Wonder: Pack protein from chicken and vitamins from broccoli into a single balanced meal, making it a smart choice for health-conscious families seeking delicious nutrition.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using turkey instead of chicken or adding different vegetables to match your dietary preferences and pantry supplies.

Ingredients Needed for a Balanced Chicken and Veggie Bake

• Chicken: Cooked and shredded protein that serves as the primary substantial component of the casserole.

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutritional value and creates texture in the bake.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides rich, sharp flavor and creates a melty topping for the casserole.
• Cream of Chicken Soup, Mayonnaise: Creamy base ingredients that bind the dish together and add moisture.

• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy flavor to balance the richness of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.

• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy, golden-brown texture to the top of the casserole.

How to Cook Chicken Broccoli Bake with Tender Chicken and Crisp Broccoli

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350F and let it warm up while you prepare the delicious ingredients.

Step 2: Transform the Broccoli

Steam the broccoli until it’s perfectly tender-crisp, which takes about 5 minutes.

Once done, drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Fusion

• Cooked chicken
• Steamed broccoli
• Cream of chicken soup
• Mayonnaise
• Fresh lemon juice
• Half of the cheddar cheese

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to enhance the flavors and mix everything thoroughly until well blended.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Canvas

Grease a baking dish and gently spread the chicken and broccoli mixture evenly across the surface, ensuring a perfect distribution of ingredients.

Step 5: Add the Crowning Glory

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture and generously scatter breadcrumbs for a delightful crispy texture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a bubbly, golden-brown surface that signals it’s ready to devour.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken broccoli bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the flavors settle and makes cutting easier.

Helpful Notes for Creamy Sauce and Perfect Bake

• Add extra crunch by toasting breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil before sprinkling on top.
• Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a different flavor profile.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce calories and boost protein content.
• For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack to change the taste.

Flavor Twists to Keep It Fresh

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with cubed extra-firm tofu or white beans for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly option.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cream soup, nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and coconut-based mayonnaise.
• Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and swap cheddar for feta cheese to create a Greek-inspired casserole.

Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Meal

• Family Dinner Champion: Serve this hearty casserole with fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles for a complete meal that kids and adults will love.
• Quick Lunch Makeover: Pack leftovers in a thermos for a delicious work or school lunch that stays warm and tasty throughout the day.
• Fancy Brunch Twist: Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to elevate this simple dish into an elegant weekend brunch option that impresses guests.
• Protein-Packed Meal Prep: Portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go healthy meals that keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Storage Advice for Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the chicken broccoli bake to cool completely before transferring to storage containers.
• Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor quality.
• Cover with plastic wrap or use a lid to prevent other refrigerator odors from seeping in.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken broccoli bake delivers comfort with creamy cheese sauce and tender protein. Crisp breadcrumb topping and wholesome ingredients create a satisfying meal for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) shredded chicken
• 4 cups (960 ml) broccoli florets
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice

Topping and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C), preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole.
2. Transform broccoli into tender-crisp florets through a quick 5-minute steam, then carefully drain and reserve.
3. Craft a harmonious mixture by combining shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, creamy soup, tangy mayonnaise, bright lemon juice, and half the cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper for depth of flavor.
4. Gently transfer the blended ingredients into a greased baking vessel, ensuring an even, smooth distribution.
5. Crown the casserole with a lavish topping of remaining cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs, creating a textural masterpiece.
6. Allow the dish to bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling surface and golden-brown crown that signals perfect doneness.
7. Pause briefly after removing from the oven, letting the casserole settle and meld its flavors before serving.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or diced bell peppers to increase vegetable content.
• Reduce calories by using low-fat cream of chicken soup, Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, and whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier version.
• Enhance flavor with optional herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley sprinkled on top before baking for an aromatic twist.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg