Creamy Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

Nestled in my kitchen, a comforting chicken broccoli bake sparks memories of childhood dinners.

Warm aromas drift through the room, promising delightful flavors.

Creamy textures and hearty ingredients merge into a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight gatherings.

Seasonal vegetables add vibrant color and nutritional depth to this classic casserole.

Cheese creates a golden, melted blanket that makes everyone smile.

Quick preparation means you can have this dish ready in under an hour.

Dive in and savor every delicious, wholesome bite of this family-friendly recipe.

Chicken Broccoli Bake With Creamy, Cheesy Layers

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this delicious chicken broccoli bake in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a hassle-free dinner solution.
• Nutritious One-Dish Wonder: Packed with lean protein from chicken and fiber-rich broccoli, this casserole delivers a balanced meal without multiple pots and pans to clean.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, this recipe pleases both kids and adults with its familiar flavors and hearty texture.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make this dish accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience.

The Components That Form Chicken Broccoli Bake

• Chicken Breast: Tender meat that provides the main protein for the casserole, best when freshly diced and boneless.
• Broccoli Florets: Nutritious green vegetable that adds texture and color to the dish, crisp and fresh florets work best.

• Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Rich and smooth cheeses that create a velvety sauce base, full-fat versions offer deeper flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Adds additional creaminess and helps bind the sauce together, choose a high-quality brand.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish, provides depth without added moisture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the other ingredients, freshly ground pepper recommended.

Chicken Broccoli Bake Directions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F and let it warm up while you prepare the delicious ingredients.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken breast until it’s perfectly golden and cooked through, ensuring no pink remains.

Step 3: Tender Up the Broccoli

Steam the broccoli florets until they’re bright green and tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant crunch.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

• Cream cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 5: Mix and Marry the Ingredients

Gently fold the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli into the creamy sauce, ensuring every morsel gets a delicious coating.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a tempting layer of goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown top and bubbling edges.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the dish to cool slightly, letting the flavors settle before serving up this mouthwatering comfort meal.

Tips for Chicken Broccoli Bake

• Replace chicken with tofu, turkey, or shrimp for a versatile dish that caters to different protein preferences.
• Add extra vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or bell peppers to increase nutritional value and create more texture.
• Adjust sauce thickness by using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version.
• Experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to elevate the flavor profile and add a fresh twist.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.

Chicken Broccoli Bake Can Be Stored Without Losing Texture

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken broccoli bake fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, storing for maximum 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to restore crispy top.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute warmth evenly and maintain sauce consistency.

Sides to Dish with Chicken Broccoli Bake

• Savor Refreshing White Wine Pairing: Crisp chardonnay or light sauvignon blanc complements the creamy chicken bake, cutting through rich cheese and providing a bright, zesty contrast.
• Enhance Rustic Bread Selection: Crusty sourdough or herbed focaccia serve as perfect side companions, helping soak up delicious sauce and adding delightful textural crunch to each bite.
• Match Zesty Green Salad: Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers tangy freshness that balances the bake's creamy richness, introducing a lighter element to the hearty main dish.
• Create Herb-Infused Sparkling Water: Cucumber and mint-infused sparkling water provides a clean, refreshing non-alcoholic option that cleanses the palate between each delectable chicken and broccoli bite.

Sourdough Brie Grilled Cheese Tweaks

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use gluten-free breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap broccoli with cauliflower and reduce mayonnaise, using Greek yogurt instead for a lighter sauce.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, maintaining the same cooking method and seasoning.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese, nutritional yeast in place of cheddar, and avocado oil mayonnaise for a similar creamy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw and drain it completely before adding to the recipe to prevent excess moisture.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and appears white throughout with no pink areas.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is gluten-free, but always check individual ingredient labels to confirm, especially for mayonnaise and seasonings.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the bake earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Just add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken broccoli bake delivers creamy, cheesy goodness in one hearty casserole. Wholesome ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1.5 cups diced chicken breast
• 4 cups broccoli florets

Cheese and Dairy Ingredients

• 0.5 cup cream cheese
• 0.75 cup cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Seasonings

• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature, preparing it for the savory casserole.
2. Sauté chicken pieces in a hot skillet, ensuring each morsel turns completely opaque and develops a light golden exterior.
3. Simultaneously prepare the broccoli, gently steaming until vibrant green and maintaining a slight crunch.
4. Create a creamy blend by whisking together soft cream cheese, rich mayonnaise, sharp cheddar, aromatic garlic and onion powders, along with seasoning to enhance flavor complexity.
5. Gently fold the perfectly cooked chicken and tender broccoli into the luxurious sauce, ensuring every ingredient is generously coated.
6. Carefully transfer the mixture into a clean baking dish, distributing it evenly to promote consistent heating and optimal texture.
7. Place the dish in the preheated oven, allowing the top to transform into a golden, bubbling surface that signals delicious readiness.
8. Remove from oven and permit the casserole to rest momentarily, allowing flavors to settle and making serving easier and more appealing.

Notes

• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add protein boost.
• Use cauliflower as a low-carb broccoli alternative for keto diet followers.
• Sprinkle crushed almonds or pork rinds on top for extra crunch and texture without breadcrumbs.
• Marinate chicken in lemon juice and herbs beforehand to enhance flavor and tenderness.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg