If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that combines rich flavors and a crowd-pleasing creamy texture, this Chicken Broccoli Bake absolutely hits the mark! Imagine tender morsels of chicken nestled among vibrant broccoli, all blanketed in a luscious, cheesy sauce, then finished with a golden breadcrumb topping for the perfect crunch. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re hosting friends for a cozy dinner, this casserole brings warmth and satisfaction to any table, while being wonderfully easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of everyday essentials come together to create something so irresistibly delicious. Each ingredient in this Chicken Broccoli Bake adds a specific note—creamy, savory, colorful, or crunchy—ensuring every bite is satisfying.
- Chicken (2 cups, cooked, shredded or cubed): The star of the show! Use rotisserie chicken for maximum convenience and flavor, or your own poached or roasted chicken.
- Broccoli Florets (3 cups, lightly steamed): Fresh, vibrant, and tender—the broccoli adds a nutritious crunch and beautiful color.
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Creates the creamy base, binding all the delicious elements together.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and extra creaminess to the sauce, making it irresistibly rich.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Helps thin the sauce so it envelops every bite, giving a luscious consistency.
- Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully and brings savory, gooey goodness; reserve some for the topping!
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle hint of garlic flavor, making the bake aromatic.
- Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild sweetness that complements the other seasonings perfectly.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors to life—season to your preference.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): For that crispy, golden topping—swap for crackers or gluten-free crumbs if you wish.
- Melted Butter (2 tablespoons): Combined with breadcrumbs, it ensures your bake emerges with an irresistibly crunchy crust.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Bake
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—you want that oven nice and hot for baking magic! In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s completely smooth and creamy; this will be the delicious backbone of your Chicken Broccoli Bake.
Step 2: Add Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheese
Fold the cooked chicken, lightly steamed broccoli florets, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into your sauce mixture. Gently mix to coat every piece in that creamy goodness. You want all the flavors to marry together right from the start!
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (using butter or nonstick spray), then spoon in the combined mixture. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, making sure every corner is packed with filling. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously over the top for that melty, bubbly finish we all crave.
Step 4: Make the Buttery Breadcrumb Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs and melted butter until every crumb glistens. Scatter this mixture over the cheese-topped casserole. These crisp morsels will toast up beautifully in the oven, adding a divine crunch to the final bake.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When the top is deep golden and the whole dish is bubbling around the edges, you know it’s ready! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and make scooping easier. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Bake
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! Freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of chives on top right before serving give your Chicken Broccoli Bake a pop of color and a bright, herbal finish. If you like a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes is both beautiful and flavorful.
Side Dishes
This bake is hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s also amazing with some light sides. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad, roasted carrots, or fluffy rice to stretch the meal and add freshness. Even a simple baguette is perfect for mopping up that extra creamy sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive touch, scoop individual servings into small ramekins or pretty oven-proof bowls. Alternatively, let everyone help themselves family-style at the table—a guaranteed hit for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Mini Chicken Broccoli Bake muffins in a muffin tin also make a fun option for packed lunches or parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftover Chicken Broccoli Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It reheats beautifully and the flavors only deepen, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner even more satisfying!
Freezing
Baked and cooled slices of your casserole freeze well—just cut into portions and wrap tightly before freezing for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If you want to prep in advance, assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until hot throughout. If reheating an individual portion, the microwave works well—just cover and heat in 1 to 2-minute bursts so it stays moist and doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen broccoli, just thaw and lightly drain before adding it to the mixture. It saves time and works perfectly in this Chicken Broccoli Bake.
What proteins can I substitute for chicken?
Turkey is a fantastic swap, especially around the holidays, and cooked ham or even tofu (for a twist!) can be delicious alternatives while keeping all the comfort and flavor.
Can I make Chicken Broccoli Bake ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights or meal prep.
What’s the best way to make it gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping, and be sure your condensed soup is gluten-free as well. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free!
How do I know when the casserole is done?
Look for a bubbling edge and a deeply golden breadcrumb topping—the cheese will melt beautifully, and the center should be hot all the way through. If in doubt, a quick temperature check (165°F in the center) does the trick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood to treat yourself or your loved ones to a plate of homey comfort, you can’t go wrong with this cozy Chicken Broccoli Bake. Give it a try and see how quickly it disappears—don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to recipe for busy nights and family gatherings!
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Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and comforting, this Chicken Broccoli Bake is a family-friendly favorite. Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a cheesy sauce baked to perfection – a delicious and easy meal!
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (lightly steamed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and half of the shredded cheese.
- Prepare the dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Add the topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Swap the breadcrumbs for crushed Ritz crackers or use gluten-free breadcrumbs as needed.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
