Velvety Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe: Comfort on a Plate

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable cheesy chicken broccoli bake that promises pure culinary bliss.

Tender chicken and vibrant broccoli merge beautifully beneath a golden, melted cheese blanket.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Every forkful promises a harmonious blend of protein, vegetables, and creamy goodness.

The dish comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy households craving a satisfying meal.

Hearty, nutritious, and utterly irresistible, this bake will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with a dinner that’s both comforting and deliciously nutritious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients List For Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds heartiness and satisfies hunger, choose boneless skinless breasts for easiest preparation.
• Broccoli: Vibrant green vegetable packed with nutrients, select fresh crisp florets or high-quality frozen for consistent texture.
• Rice: Provides comforting base and absorbs flavors, opt for long-grain white rice for best results.

• Butter: Creates rich foundation for sauce, use unsalted for precise seasoning control.
• Garlic: Adds deep aromatic flavor, select fresh cloves for most intense taste.
• Flour: Thickens sauce and creates smooth consistency, all-purpose works perfectly.
• Milk: Delivers creamy smoothness, whole milk recommended for richness.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances savory depth, low-sodium version allows better seasoning flexibility.
• Sour Cream: Introduces tangy creaminess, full-fat variety provides best texture.
• Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, Paprika: Essential seasonings that layer complex flavor profiles.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds golden crust, sharp cheddar recommended for bold taste.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates delightful crunchy exterior, panko style preferred for extra crispness.
• Melted Butter: Helps breadcrumbs brown and become irresistibly crisp.

Tools You’ll Use For Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for creating a hearty, family-sized casserole.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining chicken, broccoli, rice, and sauce.
• Saucepan: Needed to create the creamy, rich sauce from scratch.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing breadcrumb topping.
• Whisk: Critical for smooth sauce preparation and preventing lumps.
• Colander: Helps drain blanched broccoli or thawed frozen vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.

How To Prepare Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F and give your baking dish a quick butter massage to prevent sticking.

• Prep the Green Goodness

Quickly blanch your broccoli in boiling water for a quick 2-minute dance, then drain away the excess water. If using frozen, just let it thaw and give it a good squeeze.

• Craft a Silky Sauce

Melt butter in a pan, toss in garlic for a quick sizzle. Sprinkle flour and whisk like a pro. Slowly pour milk and broth, stirring until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and spices. Let it simmer and thicken, then stir in sour cream for extra creaminess.

• Build Your Casserole

Mix cooked chicken, broccoli, rice, and half the cheese in a big bowl. Pour your luscious sauce over everything and stir until well-coated. Transfer to the baking dish and spread evenly. Shower with remaining cheese.

• Create a Crunchy Crown

Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top for a golden, crispy finish.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide into the oven uncovered and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and beautifully bronzed.

• Serve and Savor

Let your masterpiece rest for 5 minutes, then dive in and enjoy the delicious layers of flavor.

Tips To Improve Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

• Pro Meal Prep Strategy: Cook chicken and rice in advance to slash prep time, making this dish a weeknight dinner superhero.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace cow's milk and sour cream with coconut milk and cashew cream for a creamy lactose-free version that's equally delicious.
• Low-Carb Magic: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini to dramatically reduce carbohydrate content without sacrificing flavor.
• Herb Garden Twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill to elevate the sauce's complexity and add bright, aromatic notes to the casserole.
• Protein Power-Up: Try swapping chicken with turkey, lean ground beef, or plant-based protein crumbles for versatile meal options that suit different dietary preferences.

Ways To Serve Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty chicken broccoli bake as the star of your family meal, creating a warm and comforting dining experience.
• Protein-Packed Side Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the creamy richness and add extra nutritional value to your plate.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the dish with a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy sauce and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Repurpose any remaining casserole into a delicious lunch wrap or stuff into a warm pita bread for a quick and satisfying next-day meal.

Storage Plan For Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftovers in airtight containers, refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Ensure maximum freshness by storing chicken and sauce separately.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe wrap, lasting up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm in oven at 350F for best texture, covering with foil to prevent drying. Microwave works for quick meals, adding splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Assemble entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking, storing covered in refrigerator. Remove 30 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature for even heating.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken broccoli bake brings comfort and flavor to family dinners with minimal preparation. Creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken make this casserole a perfect weeknight meal for hungry diners.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups chicken, shredded or diced
• 3 cups broccoli florets, fresh (or 2 cups frozen, thawed)
• 1.5 cups rice, cooked (or substitute with pasta)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 tbsps butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups milk
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 2 tbsps butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and preheat the oven to 375F (190C), creating an ideal environment for baking.
2. Broccoli Preparation: Blanch fresh broccoli florets in boiling water for two minutes, then shock in cold water. If using frozen broccoli, ensure complete thawing and thorough drainage.
3. Sauce Creation: In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Whisk in flour to form a smooth roux, then gradually incorporate milk and chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Simmer until thickened, then remove from heat and stir in sour cream for added richness.
4. Mixture Assembly: In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, rice, and half the cheese. Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients, mixing thoroughly. Transfer to the greased baking dish, spreading evenly and topping with remaining cheese.
5. Crisp Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle generously over the casserole surface.
6. Baking Process: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top achieves a golden-brown hue and the interior is heated through.
7. Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for five minutes before serving, enabling flavors to meld and settle.

Notes

• Master Broccoli Blanching: Briefly boil broccoli for exactly two minutes to retain vibrant color, crisp texture, and maximum nutritional value without overcooking.
• Create Lump-Free Sauce: Whisk flour into melted butter gradually and consistently to prevent clumping, ensuring a silky-smooth sauce base with rich, even flavor distribution.
• Control Cheese Melting: Sprinkle cheese in layers and avoid overheating to prevent separation, maintaining a creamy, luxurious texture throughout the chicken bake.
• Optimize Breadcrumb Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter thoroughly and distribute evenly for a perfectly golden, crispy crust that adds delightful crunch to the casserole.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg