Chicken Broccoli Bake

Chicken Broccoli Bake is the ultimate comfort food dish, combining tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce all baked to perfection. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. With just a handful of ingredients and simple preparation, you can create a satisfying meal that everyone will love. This recipe is a one-pan wonder, making clean-up easy while still delivering big on flavor.

The creamy sauce adds a richness that complements the crunch of Ritz crackers on top, giving it a delightful texture. Whether you’re looking for something nutritious or indulgent, this dish checks both boxes. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to cook.

2. Family-Friendly

With its familiar flavors of chicken, cheese, and creamy sauce, this dish is a hit with both kids and adults alike.

3. Balanced Meal

Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the broccoli, this bake offers a well-rounded meal without the need for extra side dishes.

4. Customizable

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences by adding or removing ingredients like different cheeses, vegetables, or seasonings.

5. Delicious Leftovers

The leftovers from this bake are just as tasty, making it a great option for meal prep or to enjoy the next day.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Fresh broccoli florets
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper
• Crushed Ritz crackers

Variations

• Add Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots, for added flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, like mozzarella or Swiss, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
• Spices: Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper, paprika, or Italian seasoning to add extra flavor to the sauce.
• Low-Fat Option: Use low-fat cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese to make a lighter version of this dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Cook the chicken breasts and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
• Steam the broccoli until it’s tender but still crisp.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

• In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk.
• Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix well.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Layer the broccoli and chicken in the dish.
• Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli, then top with shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping

• Crush Ritz crackers and sprinkle them evenly over the cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Even Cooking: To ensure even cooking, steam the broccoli just until it’s tender-crisp, as it will cook further in the oven.
• Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and has more flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
• Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

How to Serve

Serve the Chicken Broccoli Bake as a standalone meal or pair it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner. It’s also great with garlic bread or a crusty roll to soak up any extra sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Freezing

• You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To bake from frozen, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Reheating

• Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave. For the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just be sure to thaw and drain it to remove excess moisture before using it.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and add a bit more flavor.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to the point of baking, then refrigerate it until ready to bake.

4. Can I substitute the Ritz crackers?

Yes, you can use breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips for the topping instead of Ritz crackers.

5. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

You can replace the chicken with tofu or another plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to swap in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or your favorite cheese.

7. How do I prevent the broccoli from overcooking?

Steam it until it’s just tender-crisp. It will cook more while baking, so don’t overdo it in the steaming step.

8. Can I use low-fat ingredients?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.

9. How can I make the sauce thicker?

You can add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce mixture to thicken it up.

10. Can I make this dish in a smaller or larger pan?

Yes, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. A larger pan may require less time to bake, and a smaller pan may need a little extra time.

Conclusion

Chicken Broccoli Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that brings together the flavors of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce. With its simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Whether you’re making it for your family or serving guests, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the creamy goodness of this meal, and don’t forget to save any leftovers—they taste just as delicious the next day!

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