Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe
This comforting Chicken Broccoli Bake is an absolute weeknight hero, combining tender, savory chicken, vibrant yet crisp broccoli florets, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce. Topped with a golden, bubbly crust, it’s a truly satisfying dish that brings gourmet flavor to your family table with minimal effort. Prepare to be delighted by this hearty and incredibly delicious casserole.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20-25 minutes
Total Time
35-40 minutes
Servings
6 servings
Keywords
chicken broccoli bakecreamy chicken casseroleeasy weeknight dinnercheesy chicken dishbaked chicken and broccolifamily comfort foodone-dish mealsavory bakesimple chicken recipequick dinner idea
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Effortlessly delicious, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying comfort food.
- Uses convenient ingredients like rotisserie chicken for speed.
- Family-friendly and a great way to incorporate vegetables.
- Customizable to your taste preferences with optional mustard.
Ingredients
- 700g (3 cups) cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works wonderfully)
- 250g (2 cups) broccoli florets, lightly steamed
- 100g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese, freshly shredded for optimal melt
- 120g (1/2 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 120g (1/2 cup) sour cream
- 120ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) onion powder
- 2.5ml (1/2 teaspoon) paprika
- 2.5ml (1/2 teaspoon) Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 25g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Prepare a casserole dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray. This initial step ensures your dish is ready for baking as soon as the ingredients are combined.
- Gently steam the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp. You want them cooked through but still retaining a slight bite, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Avoid overcooking, which can lead to mushy broccoli.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and the optional Dijon mustard. Season generously with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk or stir vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps, creating a luscious base for your bake.
- Into the creamy mixture, gently fold in the cooked chicken and the lightly steamed broccoli florets. Stir everything together until the chicken and broccoli are thoroughly coated with the rich, cheesy sauce. Ensure an even distribution for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Pour the entire mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly from edge to edge, ensuring the casserole bakes uniformly and all components cook beautifully.
- Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Then, follow with the grated Parmesan cheese, creating a double layer of cheesy goodness that will melt into a golden, irresistible crust.
- Place the casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. The dish is perfectly cooked when the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top has melted into a beautiful, golden brown, indicating a delicious crispy topping.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set, making it easier to portion and ensuring a perfect texture.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Casserole dish (approx. 20×30 cm / 8×12 inches)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Steamer pot or microwave-safe bowl for broccoli
- Spatula
Essential Success Tips
- Do not oversteam the broccoli; it should be tender-crisp as it will soften further in the oven. This prevents a mushy texture.
- Always use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and creamiest texture. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting.
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature and softened for easy, lump-free mixing into the sauce base.
- Season the sauce base thoroughly with salt and pepper before adding the chicken and broccoli; this ensures even flavor distribution.
- Allow the casserole to rest for at least 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce set, making it easier to serve clean portions without it running everywhere.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg to the cream sauce. It beautifully complements the cheese and cream, adding a subtle warmth.
- If you prefer a deeper, more savory profile, sauté a finely minced shallot or a quarter cup of chopped mushrooms before mixing with the chicken and broccoli.
- To prepare ahead, you can assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of baking) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure your chicken and any broth used for steaming are gluten-free, though this recipe is naturally low in gluten.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs on top along with the cheese for an extra textural contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw it completely and pat it very dry before lightly steaming. Excess water can make the casserole watery.
What kind of cooked chicken is best for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is excellent for convenience and flavor. Alternatively, you can boil or bake chicken breasts or thighs and then shred or dice them.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a touch of heat, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 480, Protein: 45g, Fat: 28g, Carbs: 15g (Approximate per serving)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy. For a lighter version, skim milk and low-fat sour cream can be used, but may alter the richness and texture.
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