Description
Comforting chicken broccoli bake merges creamy textures with hearty ingredients for a satisfying meal. Cheesy layers and simple preparation make this dish perfect for family dinners and quick weeknight solutions you can enjoy together.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Creamy Components:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasoning and Topping:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, Parmesan cheese, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel until smooth and integrated.
- Fold in pre-cooked chicken, broccoli florets, diced onion, and minced garlic, ensuring every ingredient is thoroughly enrobed by the creamy sauce.
- Carefully distribute the mixture into a well-greased casserole dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Combine bread crumbs with melted butter in a separate container, creating a golden, crisp topping mixture.
- Generously scatter the buttered bread crumbs across the casserole’s surface, providing a textural contrast to the creamy base.
- Liberally sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the bread crumb layer for additional richness and visual appeal.
- Position the casserole in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, allowing it to bake for 25-30 minutes until the top transforms into a golden-brown crust and the interior becomes effervescent and heated through.
- Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant, herbaceous touch just before serving.
Notes
- Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that reduces calories without compromising flavor.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour to make this dish completely gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Roast broccoli separately before adding to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent soggy texture in the final casserole.
- Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a subtle kick if you enjoy a bit of heat in your comfort food dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 315 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg