Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Bake is the kind of comfort food everyone craves. The creamy cheese sauce is perfectly balanced with the freshness of broccoli and the lean protein from the chicken, making it both delicious and filling. This dish is ideal for meal prep or serving a crowd, and it can be customized with your favorite seasonings or additional ingredients. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, making cleanup a breeze! Whether you’re serving it on its own or with a side of rice, this cheesy bake is sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup milk (more if needed)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets for about 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. If using frozen broccoli, simply thaw and drain any excess water. Layer the broccoli in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Make the cheesy sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme (or Italian seasoning), and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if the sauce is too thick.
5. Assemble the bake: Place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the broccoli in the baking dish. Pour the cheesy sauce over the chicken and broccoli, making sure to cover everything evenly.
6. Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
7. Serve and enjoy: Once the bake is done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve the cheesy broccoli chicken bake with a side of rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Different Cheese: Feel free to swap the cheddar for other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
• Add Bacon: Add crispy bacon crumbles to the top of the bake for a smoky, savory crunch.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the broccoli and serve this cheesy chicken bake with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it low-carb.
• Veggie Add-ins: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the bake for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheesy sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cheesy broccoli chicken bake for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful alternative. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just be sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the casserole.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Simply assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

4. How can I make the sauce richer?

To make the sauce even richer, you can add a little bit of heavy cream in place of some of the milk or sour cream. You could also add extra cheese for a creamier texture.

5. Can I add pasta to this dish?

Yes, you can mix in some cooked pasta (like penne or rotini) to make it a one-pot meal. Simply add the cooked pasta to the broccoli and top with the chicken and sauce before baking.

6. Can I use a different type of sauce?

You can substitute the creamy sauce with a tomato-based sauce or a pesto sauce for a different flavor profile, though the dish will have a different texture and taste.

7. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables or a plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh.

8. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese, use a non-dairy sour cream, and swap the Parmesan and cheddar cheese with dairy-free alternatives.

9. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

To check if the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

10. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top, or mix some hot sauce into the cheesy sauce. You can also add jalapeños or chili peppers for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Bake is the perfect combination of comforting, creamy, and cheesy goodness. The tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and rich sauce make this dish a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making it for a cozy weeknight dinner, this bake is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for a variety of occasions!

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Bake

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Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Bake combines tender chicken breasts, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This one-pan dish is rich in flavor, quick to prepare, and perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1. For the chicken:
   • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
   • 1 tablespoon olive oil
   • Salt and pepper, to taste
2. For the casserole:
   • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
   • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
   • ½ cup cream cheese, softened
   • ½ cup sour cream
   • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • ½ teaspoon onion powder
   • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
   • ¼ cup milk (more if needed)
   • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.

1. Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch it for 3-4 minutes until tender. If using frozen, thaw and drain. Layer broccoli in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the cheesy sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cheddar, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and milk. Stir until smooth. Add more milk if the sauce is too thick.
4. Assemble the bake: Place the cooked chicken on top of the broccoli. Pour the cheesy sauce over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
5. Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
6. Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve with rice, quinoa, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Notes

1. For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream in place of some of the milk or sour cream.
2. For a lower-carb version, substitute cauliflower for broccoli or serve with cauliflower rice.
3. This recipe can be made ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg