Creamy Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Tucked away in my recipe collection, this chicken broccoli bake has been a longtime family favorite that never disappoints.

Comfort meets nutrition in every single bite of this hearty dish.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket over tender chicken and vibrant green florets.

Weeknight dinners demand something simple yet delicious, and this recipe checks all those boxes.

Crispy edges and creamy centers make each serving irresistible to everyone at the table.

Protein-packed and loaded with vegetables, you can feel good about serving this crowd-pleasing meal.

Dive into this easy recipe and watch it become your new go-to dinner solution.

Why Chicken Broccoli Bake Is Loved

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This chicken broccoli bake transforms basic ingredients into a creamy, comforting meal that comes together in minutes, making dinner stress-free and delicious.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using different cheeses, adding vegetables, or trying gluten-free breadcrumbs to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Pack Nutritional Power: Loaded with protein from chicken and nutrients from broccoli, this one-dish wonder provides a balanced meal that keeps everyone satisfied and energized.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, creamy texture and familiar flavors, making mealtime enjoyable for the entire family without complicated cooking techniques.

Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Bake

• Chicken: Shredded meat provides the primary protein source for this comforting casserole.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and texture to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich flavor.
• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Creamy ingredients that help bind the casserole and provide moisture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the overall taste.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides additional moisture and savory base flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Seasonings that boost the overall taste profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and enhance the other ingredients.

• Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy, golden crust to the top of the casserole.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This sets the perfect temperature for creating a deliciously golden and bubbling chicken broccoli bake.

Step 2: Soften the Broccoli

Steam the broccoli florets until they become wonderfully tender. This typically takes about 5 minutes, transforming the broccoli into a melt-in-your-mouth texture that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Mix the Magical Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Steamed broccoli
• Cheddar cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Cream of chicken soup
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until the ingredients are beautifully blended and create a creamy, savory mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease your baking dish to prevent any sticky situations.

Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly for consistent cooking.

Step 5: Add a Crunchy Topping

If you’re a fan of extra texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs across the top of the mixture.

This will create a delightful golden crust that adds a satisfying crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges start to bubble with cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven.

This helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your comforting and delicious chicken broccoli bake!

Tips for Best Chicken Broccoli Bake

• Opt for fresh broccoli florets to ensure maximum flavor and nutritional value in your chicken bake.
• Shred chicken using two forks for better texture and more even distribution throughout the dish.
• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version of this casserole.
• Season generously with herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the overall taste profile of the bake.
• Toast breadcrumbs before sprinkling for an extra crispy and golden-brown topping that adds delightful crunch.

Variations for Chicken Broccoli Bake Dish

• Gluten-Free Chicken Broccoli Bake: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Veggie Swap: Substitute broccoli with cauliflower and use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese substitutes, coconut cream instead of sour cream, and dairy-free cream of chicken soup for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable cream soup to create a plant-based casserole.

Serving Chicken Broccoli Bake Ideas

• Family Weeknight Winner: Serve this hearty casserole over fluffy white rice to soak up all the delicious creamy sauce and create a complete meal.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Top with crispy bacon bits or toasted sliced almonds just before serving to add a delightful crunch and extra layer of flavor.
• Balanced Plate Approach: Pair with a light, tangy green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheesy chicken bake and provide fresh contrast.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Portion leftovers into individual containers for easy lunch options that reheat perfectly and keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Storing Chicken Broccoli Bake Properly

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store chicken broccoli bake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 2 months, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label containers with the date and contents to track storage time.

FAQs

• Is this recipe healthy?

While it contains protein from chicken and nutrients from broccoli, it’s moderately high in calories due to cheese, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup. Consider using low-fat alternatives for a lighter version.

• Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the mixture to prevent a watery consistency.

• What type of chicken works best?

Rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken breast, or leftover roasted chicken all work great. Ensure the chicken is cooked and shredded into bite-sized pieces.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make the entire recipe gluten-free.

Quick Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty chicken broccoli bake combines creamy cheese sauce with tender chicken and fresh broccoli florets. Comforting casserole delivers satisfying flavors you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups shredded chicken

Vegetables:

• 4 cups broccoli florets

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Optional Topping:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Gently steam broccoli florets until they reach a vibrant green and tender consistency, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Incorporate the steamed broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, aged Parmesan cheese, rich cream of chicken soup, aromatic garlic powder, zesty onion powder, seasoning salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the bowl.
5. Thoroughly blend all ingredients until evenly distributed and well-combined.
6. Carefully transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
7. If desired, generously scatter breadcrumbs across the surface for an added crispy texture.
8. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes, helping the ingredients settle and cool slightly.
10. Serve warm, scooping out hearty portions for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Add extra protein by incorporating cooked quinoa or diced ham into the chicken mixture for a more substantial meal.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and boost protein content, creating a lighter version of the dish.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or Swiss to customize the flavor profile and create unique taste variations.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg