Okay, let’s talk comfort food. Specifically, let’s talk about this Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe. You know how sometimes you just crave something warm, cheesy, and totally satisfying? Something that feels like a hug in a dish? That’s exactly what this is. It’s like mac and cheese, but leveled up. And honestly? It’s way easier to throw together than you might think. This recipe reminds me so much of my grandma’s tuna noodle casserole, but with a healthier, more modern twist. My kids absolutely devour it every time I make it, and I swear, the cheesy aroma wafting through the house is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies without any complaints!
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What is a good chicken broccoli bake recipe?
Think of the Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe as a symphony of creamy, cheesiness goodness, featuring tender, tender chicken. Chicken and vibrant broccoli florets. What is essentially a casserole, where cooked chicken and broccoli are enveloped in cheese. It’s great for dipping. Baked until golden brown and bubbly. How does the name of a restaurant say it all? Is this a comforting dish? Don’t let the “bake” part intimidate you – it’s surprisingly straightforward. What is the kind of meal that fills your belly and warms up your soul? In homes for generations. Is it one of those meals that just screams, “home”?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, buckle up, because I’m about to tell you why this Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe is a MUST-TRY. First off, the flavor is incredible. The creamy cheese sauce perfectly complements the savory chicken and slightly sweet broccoli. It’s a balance of flavors that’s just *chef’s kiss*. What I love most is how easy it is to make. Seriously, you can have this on the table in under an hour, start to finish. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. Plus, it’s super cost-effective. Chicken and broccoli are relatively inexpensive, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. This is perfect when you’re craving something savory but don’t want to order takeout. Another win? It’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different cheeses, add other veggies, or even toss in some pasta for a heartier meal. It’s a fantastic alternative to something like shepherd’s pie when you want something equally comforting but slightly different. Trust me, this one’s a crowd-pleaser! It’s the perfect way to get even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their vegetables.
How do I make chicken broccoli bake?
Quick Overview
Making this Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe is a breeze. Basically, you’ll start by cooking your chicken and broccoli. Then, you’ll whip up a simple cheese sauce. Combine everything in a baking dish, top with extra cheese (because why not?), and bake until golden and bubbly. The best part? You can prep most of it ahead of time, making it even easier to get dinner on the table. It’s a classic recipe, but I’ve added a few little tweaks to make it extra delicious and easy. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broccoli: What are the differences?
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded. I always poach mine. How do you cook leftover rotisserie chicken?
* 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed or roasted until tender-crisp. I like roasting mine with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper – it brings out the flavor so much.
* 1 tbsp olive oil (if roasting broccoli). Use a good quality one; it makes .a difference.
* Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
What is the cheese sauce?
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter. Real butter is the best flavor!
* 1/2 cup all purpose flour. You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed.
I use whole milk for extra creaminess, but 2% works just fine. I’ve tested this with almond milk, and it actually made it even creamier!
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but you can use any cheese you like. What is the best combination of Gruyere and Cheddar?
* 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Adds a nice little kick.
* 1/4 tsp paprika. For a touch of color and flavor.
* Salt and pepper to taste. Season, season and season!
Optional Topping:
* 1/2 cup bread crumbs. Panko breadcrumbs give the best crunch!
I used 2 tbsp melted butter for the topping.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use cooking spray for easy cleanup. Make sure you get all the corners!
Step 2: Prepare Broccoli and Chicken
If you haven’t already, cook your chicken and broccoli. Can you bake leftover rotisserie chicken? For broccoli, steaming or roasting works best. I find that roasting broccoli brings out a deeper flavor but steaming retains its bright green color. Color and nutrients. Don’t overcook them, you want them to have a bite.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Set aside. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. What is called a roux, and it’s the base of your cheese sauce. It should be smooth and bubbly. Don’t let it burn!
Step 4: Add Milk and Simmer
Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
The cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper are all added to a small saucepan. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Serve immediately. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. How do you get creative with your cheese choices?
Step 6: Combine Everything
In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked chicken and broccoli. How do you spread the cheese sauce over the top? Give it a good stir to distribute the sauce.
Step 7: Add Topping (Optional)
If using bread crumb topping, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter in a small bowl. Set aside. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole. This adds a nice crunchy texture.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it, as ovens vary. You want the cheese to be melted and slightly browned.
Step 9: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the sauce thicken up. Serve warm and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
This Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe is a star on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments. For a complete meal, I love serving it with a simple side salad. Something with a light vinaigrette will help cut through the richness of the casserole. A crusty bread is also a great addition for soaking up all that delicious cheese sauce. My family loves having a side of steamed green beans or asparagus with it as well. If you’re serving it for a potluck or gathering, consider offering a variety of sides to cater to different tastes. A fruit salad or a simple coleslaw would also be great options. And, if you’re feeling fancy, a glass of crisp white wine would pair perfectly with this dish. Ultimately, it’s all about creating a balanced and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. I’ve even served this with a side of Mashed Potatoes for an extra comforting meal on a cold winter night. No matter what you choose to serve it with, this Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe is sure to be a hit.
What are some of the best tips for making a Chicken Broccoli Bake?
Okay, friends, let’s talk tips and tricks for making this Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe absolutely perfect. First, let’s discuss chicken. Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a game-changer for saving time. It’s already cooked and seasoned, so it adds extra flavor to the dish. If you’re cooking your chicken from scratch, make sure not to overcook it, or it will be dry. Poaching it is my favorite method for keeping it moist and tender. Next up, broccoli. Don’t overcook the broccoli! You want it to be tender-crisp, not mushy. Roasting it brings out a delicious nutty flavor, but steaming is a quicker and healthier option. As for the cheese sauce, the key is to whisk constantly while adding the milk to prevent lumps. If you do get lumps, don’t panic! Just use an immersion blender to smooth it out. Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite flavor combination. A mix of cheddar, Gruyere, and Monterey Jack is fantastic. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. If you’re watching your calories, you can use low-fat cheese and milk, but keep in mind that the sauce won’t be as creamy. To prevent the bread crumb topping from burning, cover the casserole with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different additions to this dish. You can add cooked pasta, mushrooms, onions, or even a can of diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to make it your own! Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting, so don’t be afraid to try new things and see what works best for you. Happy cooking!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Alright, let’s talk about storing and reheating this delicious Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe. If you have leftovers (and trust me, you might not!), proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and tasty. For room temperature storage, I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out for more than 2 hours, especially if it’s a warm day. Bacteria can start to grow pretty quickly, and we don’t want that! If you plan on eating it within 3-4 days, the refrigerator is your best bet. Store the casserole in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. I like to use glass containers, but plastic works just fine too. Make sure it’s completely cooled before refrigerating it, as this will help prevent condensation from forming. Now, let’s say you want to keep it for longer. The freezer is your friend! Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in aluminum foil. This will help prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheating can be done in the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but it might not be as crispy. Heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated through. Just be careful not to overcook it, or the cheese sauce might separate. And one last tip: if you’re planning on freezing the casserole, consider adding the bread crumb topping after thawing and before baking. This will help keep it nice and crispy. With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy this Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe anytime you want!
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Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my friends! This Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting, delicious, and easy way to bring your family together around the table. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your household, just like it has in mine. The combination of creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful broccoli is simply irresistible. And the best part? It’s so versatile that you can easily customize it to your liking. Whether you add pasta, different cheeses, or extra veggies, this recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes for more easy and delicious Meal Ideas. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and be sure to rate the recipe if you loved it. And if you try any fun variations, I’d love to hear about them too! Happy cooking!
How to Make a Heavenly Chicken Broccoli Bake in 8 Simple Steps
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil for greasing the dish
- 2.5 lb chicken thighs boneless and skinless
- 8 cup broccoli florets about 2 medium heads
- 4 cup brown rice cooked
- 21 ounce cream of mushroom soup two cans, condensed
- 1.5 cup Greek yogurt plain
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs for topping
- 1 lb monterey jack cheese grated, about 4 cups
- 2 tbsp lemon zest freshly grated
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
- In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until they are browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and shred the chicken.
- Bring a pot of water to boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Spread the cooked rice evenly on the bottom of the prepared dish and layer the blanched broccoli over the rice.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, cooked shredded chicken, and half of the grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the chicken mixture over the broccoli and rice in the dish. Sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Top with remaining grated cheese. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow the bake to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy the comforting taste of this delicious meal.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Extend baking time if needed.
Variations: For added flavor, incorporate sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers into the chicken mixture.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
