If you’re searching for a comforting dinner that’s equal parts creamy, cheesy, and packed with veggies, Chicken Broccoli Bake has you covered. This all-in-one casserole brings together juicy chicken, tender broccoli florets, and a luscious sauce, all tucked under a golden, crunchy topping. Whether you’re feeding family on a busy weeknight or want leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, this dish delivers fuss-free satisfaction with every bite. And the best part? It’s one of those recipes that manages to be hearty and wholesome without sacrificing ease or big flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of Chicken Broccoli Bake is just how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each component brings a purpose: savory protein, vibrant veggies, gooey cheese, and that irresistible crispy finish.
- Cooked chicken breast: Diced chicken adds hearty protein and soaks up all the creamy sauce, making each bite satisfying.
- Broccoli florets: Steamed until just tender, broccoli brings fresh, green flavor and a pop of color to your casserole.
- Cream of chicken soup: This is your shortcut to a super creamy sauce—trust me, it binds everything perfectly.
- Mayonnaise: A splash of mayo gives a surprisingly rich, tangy finish to the bake.
- Sour cream: Adds a silky texture and subtle tang—can be swapped with Greek yogurt if you’re lightening things up.
- Lemon juice: Just a touch brightens the entire dish and keeps things from feeling too heavy.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the flavor base with aromatic warmth, no chopping required!
- Onion powder: Brings that mellow, sweet-savory backbone.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps bring out the best in every layer.
- Black pepper: For a gentle kick that lifts the creamy richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts gorgeously into the casserole—don’t skip half for the topping!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Lends an extra-stretchy, gooey finish to the bubbling bake.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Delivers that crunchy crowning glory everyone fights over.
- Unsalted butter: Works with panko to toast the top into golden perfection.
- Fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that livens up every slice just before serving.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Bake
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—this ensures even baking and that golden crust you’ll love. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your Chicken Broccoli Bake releases easily when it’s time to serve. It’s a small step, but it makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Layer the Broccoli and Chicken
Spread the steamed broccoli out over the bottom of your prepared dish, then scatter the diced chicken breast on top. Arranging your ingredients this way guarantees that every serving scoops up a bit of both tender broccoli and juicy chicken in one forkful.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese—this creamy, flavor-packed mixture is the heart of the dish and will tie all your layers together beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble and Top with Cheese
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it right into the corners, ensuring every bite is coated. Sprinkle on the remaining cheddar cheese along with the mozzarella, for a bubbly, golden cheese layer no one can resist.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter until the crumbs glisten. Evenly scatter the buttery breadcrumbs across the top of your casserole. This is what transforms your Chicken Broccoli Bake from good to “please make it again!”
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is crisp and golden brown and you see bubbling cheese around the edges. Let it cool for just a few minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and diving in.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Bake
Garnishes
Dust your fresh-from-the-oven bake with chopped parsley for a bright, herby pop of color, or sprinkle on thinly sliced green onions for extra crunch. If you love a little zest, a quick hit of lemon zest is a surprisingly lovely touch right before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but it’s absolutely dreamy alongside a crisp salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, or a platter of roasted carrots for color and sweetness. Warm dinner rolls or classic garlic bread are perfect to mop up the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant spin, spoon Chicken Broccoli Bake into individual ramekins before baking for perfectly portioned servings. Or, heap generous scoops onto a bed of fluffy rice or cooked pasta for a complete and comforting one-bowl meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Broccoli Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making the leftovers arguably even better for next-day lunches.
Freezing
For longer storage, assemble the entire dish (minus the parsley garnish) and freeze it unbaked or baked. Wrap well in foil and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover and bake at 350°F until heated through and bubbly—this keeps the breadcrumb topping crispy. A quick zap in the microwave works too, though the oven yields that just-baked crunch.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in Chicken Broccoli Bake?
Absolutely—rotisserie chicken saves time and adds even more flavor, making it a fantastic shortcut for weeknights. Just chop or shred and fold it right in.
How can I make this Chicken Broccoli Bake gluten-free?
Swap regular panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free version, and double-check your soup is gluten-free. Everything else is naturally gluten-free, so it’s wonderfully easy to adapt.
Can I add rice or pasta to the Chicken Broccoli Bake?
Definitely! Stir in a cup or two of cooked rice or pasta before you bake—this turns the dish into a full meal and stretches it to feed a few more hungry mouths.
Is it possible to prep Chicken Broccoli Bake in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate it up to a day ahead. When you’re ready, add the breadcrumb topping and bake as directed—it’s a huge help for entertaining or meal prepping.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
For a homemade option, make a quick white sauce with butter, flour, chicken broth, and a splash of milk. It’s delicious and lets you control the ingredients completely.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that’s family-friendly, flavorful, and impossibly easy, you simply have to give Chicken Broccoli Bake a try. It’s comfort food on a weeknight schedule—go ahead, gather your favorite people and dig in!
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Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Broccoli Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole that combines tender cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with buttery breadcrumbs. It’s a family-friendly dish perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed until tender
Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Breadcrumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer ingredients: Layer steamed broccoli and diced chicken in the baking dish.
- Prepare sauce: Mix together cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, spices, and half of the cheddar cheese. Pour over chicken and broccoli.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the casserole.
- Top with breadcrumbs: Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
- Enhance the dish by adding cooked rice or pasta for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
