Creamy Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe: A Comforting Family Favorite

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful chicken broccoli bake that promises to satisfy your hunger with minimal effort.

Layers of tender chicken and vibrant green florets create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Creamy sauce hugs each ingredient, ensuring every bite feels like a warm embrace.

Busy home cooks will appreciate how quickly this dish comes together without compromising on taste.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Simple yet sophisticated, it delivers nutrition and pleasure in equal measure.

What Makes Chicken Broccoli Bake So Good

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy cheese, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli, this dish delivers a satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming dinnertime into a delightful experience.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Loaded with protein from chicken and vitamins from broccoli, this one-pan meal offers a balanced and wholesome dinner that keeps your family feeling full and energized without extensive cooking skills.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily to different tastes and can be customized with additional seasonings or vegetables to suit your preferences.

Ingredients That Bring It to Life

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main substance of the dish.

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

• Cream Cheese, Mayonnaise, Grated Cheddar: These ingredients create a rich, smooth sauce that holds the chicken and broccoli together while adding depth of flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and broccoli bake.

Directions You Can Count On

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven and set the temperature to 375F (190C).

This ensures the perfect cooking environment for your delicious casserole.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Explosion

• Diced chicken
• Broccoli florets
• Cream cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Mix and Blend

Dive in with a spatula or whisk and blend everything together until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Make sure every morsel is coated with the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixed ingredients into a baking dish, spreading them evenly to ensure consistent cooking and maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it cook for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for a golden, bubbly top that signals your dish is ready to devour.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

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

This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.

Dig in and enjoy your mouthwatering chicken broccoli bake!

Kitchen Tips That Make a Difference

• Dice chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and retain moisture throughout the bake.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or dried herbs like thyme to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for an extra crunchy texture and golden-brown finish.
• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and use cauliflower instead of broccoli to make the recipe more keto-friendly.
• Prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time on busy weeknights.

Ways to Change It Based on Your Mood

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace broccoli with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that maintains the same creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar to create a lactose-free option that's still rich and satisfying.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Swap chicken with cubed extra-firm tofu or chickpeas, keeping the same seasoning blend for a plant-based protein-packed casserole.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Add dried oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes to transform the classic recipe into a Mediterranean-inspired bake with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

Serving Suggestions You’ll Love

• Cheesy Comfort Meal Companion: Serve this warm bake alongside fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Fresh Green Crunch: Top with extra raw broccoli florets or a crisp green salad for added texture and nutritional balance.
• Protein Power Plate: Pair with a light quinoa pilaf or roasted sweet potato wedges to create a complete, satisfying meal with additional protein and complex carbohydrates.
• Zesty Flavor Boost: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley, green onions, or add a dash of hot sauce for an extra flavor kick and vibrant color contrast.

Best Practices for Saving Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the chicken broccoli bake sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap the cooled dish securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover the dish with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165F, ensuring food safety and maintaining the original texture.

FAQs

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken broccoli bake ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover the unbaked dish and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the frozen broccoli completely before mixing it into the recipe to prevent excess moisture.

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

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165F. The golden, bubbly top and 25-30 minute baking time will help ensure it’s fully cooked.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs work perfectly. Dice them into small, uniform pieces for even cooking and better texture.

Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty chicken broccoli bake emerges as a comforting family favorite, blending tender chicken and crisp broccoli in a creamy, cheesy embrace. Nourishing and simple, this dish promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups diced chicken breast
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated

Sauce and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C), preparing a suitable baking dish for the casserole.
2. Dice the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces and chop broccoli into small, even florets to ensure consistent cooking.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend chicken, broccoli, cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and seasonings until ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Gently transfer the mixed ingredients into the prepared baking dish, spreading the mixture smoothly and creating an even surface.
5. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges that indicate complete cooking.
6. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier.
7. Serve hot, ensuring each portion contains a balanced mix of chicken, broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce.

Notes

• Achieve a creamier texture by using full-fat cream cheese and letting it sit at room temperature before mixing.
• Boost protein and nutrition by adding extra vegetables like spinach or cauliflower to the base mixture.
• Customize for gluten-free diets by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free and checking seasoning labels carefully.
• Create a crispy top layer by sprinkling extra shredded cheese or breadcrumbs before the final baking stage for added crunch and flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 188 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg