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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and preheat the oven to 375F (190C), creating an ideal environment for baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Crisp Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle generously over the casserole surface.
- 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.
- 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