Pin it A comforting, creamy casserole featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a golden cheddar cheese topping—perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
I first made this Chicken & Broccoli Cheddar Bake on a busy weeknight, and it quickly became a favorite for its creamy sauce and crunchy topping. Everyone asked for seconds.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups, diced or shredded
- Fresh broccoli florets: 3 cups
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons
- Whole milk: 1 cup
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 1/2 cup
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups, shredded (divided)
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a kick)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Prepare Broccoli:
- Steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2(3 minutes until just tender and bright green. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly. Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Cook for 3(4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat. Add 1 cup of cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Layer and Top:
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top. In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil (and red pepper flakes, if using), then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake and Serve:
- Bake for 25(30 minutes until bubbling and the top is golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin it My kids love scooping big servings at the table, and it always sparks laughter when someone tries to get the cheesiest bite. It's a tradition in our home on cozy evenings.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this bake with a light green salad and a crisp Chardonnay for a balanced meal. A side of crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Variations
Add cooked rice or quinoa for extra heartiness. Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep. Mix in sautéed mushrooms for added flavor.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 21 g total fat, 21 g carbohydrates, 36 g protein.
Pin it This bake is sure to bring comfort and warmth to any table. Enjoy leftovers reheated for lunch the next day.
Common Questions
- → Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, thawed and drained frozen broccoli works well if fresh is unavailable, though fresh provides a firmer texture.
- → What can I substitute for cooked chicken breast?
Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut that adds great flavor and reduces prep time.
- → How do I achieve a crispy topping?
Toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the cheddar topping before baking for a golden, crunchy finish.
- → Can this dish be made spicier?
Adding crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb topping introduces a pleasant kick without overpowering the flavors.
- → Is it possible to make the dish heartier?
Mixing in cooked rice or quinoa before baking adds extra texture and makes it a more filling one-dish meal.