Description
This comforting Chicken Broccoli Bake combines tender cooked chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheesy sauce topped with a crunchy Ritz cracker crust. It’s an easy, satisfying dish perfect for a family dinner, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors baked to golden perfection in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (approx. 10.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the chicken breasts fully by your preferred method (boiling, baking, or sautéing), then chop them into bite-sized pieces ready for the bake.
- Steam the Broccoli: Steam the fresh broccoli florets until they are tender but still crisp, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes, then drain well to avoid excess moisture.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth and well blended.
- Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce mixture, stirring thoroughly to incorporate the spices evenly.
- Assemble the Bake: Layer the steamed broccoli evenly in the greased baking dish, then scatter the chopped chicken over the broccoli to create an even layer.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared creamy sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli layers, ensuring good coverage.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese uniformly over the sauced layers for a rich cheesy topping.
- Add Crunchy Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and sprinkle them evenly over the cheese layer to add a satisfying crunchy texture.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, golden brown on top, and heated through. Remove from oven and let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the broccoli is not over-steamed to maintain a slight crunch after baking.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will enhance flavor compared to pre-grated options.
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
- If you prefer a lower fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
