Save A comforting, cheesy casserole featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a golden cheddar topping—perfect for a cozy family dinner.
I first made this Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake when we wanted something warm and satisfying yet easy to prepare on a busy weeknight. The cheesy aroma from the oven always brings everyone to the kitchen!
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 2 large, boneless and skinless (about 500 g), cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- Broccoli florets: 2 cups (about 200 g), fresh
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 ¼ cups (140 g), shredded, divided
- Sour cream: ¾ cup (180 ml)
- Milk: ½ cup (120 ml)
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Ground black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Breadcrumbs: ½ cup (30 g), gluten-free or regular
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon of butter until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Cook chicken:
- Add cubed chicken, stirring, until just opaque (not fully cooked), about 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Mix filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk sour cream, milk, 1 cup cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add broccoli & chicken:
- Fold in broccoli florets and the chicken mixture until evenly combined.
- Assemble casserole:
- Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Top casserole:
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over top.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest:
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Save The first time I served this, my kids asked for seconds and everyone requested the recipe. It's become a comfort classic in our home.
Required Tools
23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish, large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, cutting board and knife, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cheese, sour cream, butter) and wheat (if using regular breadcrumbs). Use GF breadcrumbs for gluten-free and check all labels.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 430, Total Fat: 27 g, Carbohydrates: 13 g, Protein: 34 g
Save Enjoy this warm, bubbly casserole freshly baked, and savor delicious leftovers the next day. It's sure to please both kids and adults at your table!
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use frozen broccoli in this dish?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just thaw and drain it before mixing to prevent excess moisture.
- → What cheese works best for topping?
Sharp cheddar provides a nicely melted, golden crust, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with certified gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking; this allows flavors to meld nicely.
- → What side dishes complement this meal?
Fresh green salads, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables provide great balance to the rich, cheesy bake.
- → Is there a lighter alternative to sour cream?
Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream to reduce fat while maintaining creaminess.