Description
This Chicken Broccoli Bake is a comforting and creamy casserole perfect for a quick family dinner. Tender chicken breasts combine with fresh broccoli, a rich cheese sauce, and a crunchy cracker topping, all baked to golden perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly to prevent sticking.
- Steam Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they turn bright green and are tender yet still crisp, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. This will ensure they retain a pleasant texture in the casserole.
- Make Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chopped chicken and steamed broccoli into the sauce mixture. Mix well so that the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Then, cover with a layer of crushed Ritz crackers to add a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Bake until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping turns a beautiful golden brown color.
- Rest & Serve: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes to set. Then serve warm for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
- If preferred, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers or omit the cracker topping.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and assembled in the baking dish, then refrigerated and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
