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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C), preparing a suitable baking dish for the casserole.
- Dice the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces and chop broccoli into small, even florets to ensure consistent cooking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend chicken, broccoli, cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and seasonings until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gently transfer the mixed ingredients into the prepared baking dish, spreading the mixture smoothly and creating an even surface.
- 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.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier.
- 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