When you’re craving a comforting, cheesy meal that’s easy to prepare, look no further than Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bakes. This dish combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce that everyone in the family will love. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or for meal prepping in advance.
The best part about this recipe is that it’s a one-dish wonder. You can make everything in one casserole dish, from the chicken to the broccoli to the cheesy sauce. Plus, it’s a well-balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and a rich cheesy base to satisfy your taste buds.
This dish is versatile—you can even add your favorite herbs, spices, or other veggies to make it your own. So grab a casserole dish and let’s get baking!
2. Ingredients
For the Bake:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
3. Directions
Preparing the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes, seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cooking the Broccoli:
- If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender, about 3-4 minutes. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain well. Set the broccoli aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir over medium heat until well combined and heated through.
- Add the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling the Bake:
- In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the casserole for extra texture.
Baking:
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden and slightly crispy.
4. How to Prepare
Once your Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a light salad to balance out the richness of the cheese.
5. Preparation Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
6. Servings
This recipe serves 4-6 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or leftovers for the next day.
7. FAQs
1. Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Yes! You can substitute broccoli with cauliflower, spinach, or even zucchini for a different twist.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from the fridge.
3. Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or chop the chicken and add it to the casserole.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply omit the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
8. Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bakes offer the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with the wholesomeness of chicken and broccoli. It’s the ultimate comfort food, yet easy enough to make any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for the family, prepping meals for the week, or craving a cozy dish, this one-dish meal delivers on flavor and satisfaction.
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and versatility. You can customize it to suit your preferences, whether by changing up the vegetables or adding extra seasonings. Try it today and enjoy the ultimate cheesy comfort food in every bite!