Cheesy and Delicious Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Looking for a comforting and easy weeknight dinner? This chicken broccoli bake recipe is perfect for you!

• Enjoy the rich, cheesy flavors of a hearty casserole.
• Simple to prepare with basic ingredients.
• Perfect for family meals and busy weeknights.

How to Make the Best Chicken Broccoli Bake

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken breasts: 2 lbs, cooked and cubed
• Broccoli florets: 4 cups
• Cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded
• Cream of chicken soup: 1 can (10.5 oz)
• Sour cream: 1 cup
• Milk: ½ cup
• Onion: 1, chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
• Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Bread crumbs: 1 cup
• Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup, grated
• Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, sautéed onions and garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
5. Assemble the Bake: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir to combine. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
6. Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Broccoli Bake

• Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, but frozen can work in a pinch.
• Cook the chicken in advance or use rotisserie chicken for a quick preparation.
• For a creamier texture, add more sour cream or a splash of heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of rice or pasta for a complete meal.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
• Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

Health Benefits of Chicken Broccoli Bake

• High in protein from the chicken and cheese.
• Packed with vitamins and fiber from the broccoli.
• A balanced meal that can be part of a healthy diet.

Variations to Try

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use cream of mushroom soup.
• Different Cheeses: Try using mozzarella, Swiss, or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the broccoli can make it mushy.
• Using too much sauce can make the bake watery.
• Not letting the bake rest for a few minutes before serving can cause it to fall apart.

Conclusion:

Enjoy this cheesy and delicious chicken broccoli bake for your next weeknight dinner. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe today and delight in a comforting, homemade meal!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

2. How do I make the bake creamier?

For a creamier bake, you can add an extra ½ cup of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce mixture.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Chicken n Broccoli Pasta Bake

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

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• 8 Ounce Penne pasta
• 2 Each Chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
• 2 Cups Broccoli florets, blanched
• 2 Tablespoon Butter
• 2 Tablespoon All-purpose flour
• 2 Cups Milk
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 Teaspoon salt
• 1 Cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 Cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
5. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
6. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
7. Add the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and cooked pasta to the saucepan and stir to combine.
8. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!

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