Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe
There’s something so comforting about a casserole that ticks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and pure home-cooked goodness, and that’s exactly what makes this Chicken Broccoli Bake a standout favorite in my kitchen. Creamy, cheesy, and generously studded with tender chicken and bright broccoli, this dish brings together all your cozy cravings in one bubbly, golden pan. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight meal or something crowd-pleasing for a potluck, you’ll love how this bake comes together with pantry staples and a handful of humble ingredients that deliver serious taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I truly love about this recipe is that every ingredient has its place—there’s nothing fancy here, just the basics, but each one contributes to the rich flavor, creamy texture, or crave-worthy cheesy top of this Chicken Broccoli Bake. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, plus a few tips to make them shine:
- Chicken breast (2 cups, cooked, shredded or cubed): Rotisserie chicken makes this super speedy, but any leftover chicken works for a meaty, satisfying base.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups, steamed until just tender): Steaming the broccoli first ensures it keeps a little bite and vibrant color in the finished dish.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This shortcut gives unbeatable creaminess and depth of flavor—opt for a low-sodium version if you like to control the salt.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds a heavenly tang and silkiness; swap with plain Greek yogurt if you want a lighter touch.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Don’t skip the mayo! It adds richness and helps everything blend together beautifully.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): For that background garlicky oomph without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Balances out the savoriness and adds a subtle, sweet base note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Be sure to taste your mix, especially if you use a salty soup or pre-cooked chicken.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): The melty, golden finish—feel free to experiment with a blend if you love extra cheesiness.
- Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): For a buttery, crunchy topping that’s totally addictive.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Tossed with the crackers for a perfect crisp and golden top.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Bake
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which gives the bake just the right amount of time to get hot and bubbly while forming that golden crust. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this makes serving much easier and helps with cleanup, too.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir until completely smooth; this thick, luscious mixture is the glue that brings the entire Chicken Broccoli Bake together.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Broccoli
Fold your cooked chicken and steamed broccoli into the creamy base. Make sure everything is well coated, so each bite gets that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Sometimes I sneak an extra handful of broccoli for more color and goodness, especially if I’m feeding veggie lovers!
Step 4: Layer and Top with Cheese
Spread the chicken and broccoli mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Now, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese right over the top. I always like to make sure the cheese goes edge to edge—the more surface area covered, the better that beautiful melted top will be on your finished Chicken Broccoli Bake.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter until they’re lightly coated. Scatter this mixture evenly across the top of the cheese layer. The buttery topping will crisp up deliciously, giving you that signature bite that everyone looks forward to.
Step 6: Bake and Rest
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until it’s bubbling around the edges and gloriously golden on top. Let it stand for about 5 minutes after pulling it out of the oven—this allows everything to set perfectly and makes serving those neat squares of Chicken Broccoli Bake so much easier.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Bake
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely fresh pop of color and a mild oniony zing. If you’re a fan of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes over the top of your Chicken Broccoli Bake can be a game changer without overpowering the creamy flavors.
Side Dishes
This bake is definitely a meal on its own, but if you want to round things out, serve it with a crisp green salad or some fluffy rice. A side of garlic bread or even just simple steamed veggies make this dinner feel extra special but still keep things easy and fuss-free.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, portion your Chicken Broccoli Bake into ramekins or small baking dishes for adorable individual servings. Or, scoop it over baked potatoes (trust me, it’s next-level comfort food!) for a unique twist. You can even tuck leftovers into wraps for a fun take on lunch the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Chicken Broccoli Bake cool to room temperature before covering and storing it in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days—just make sure it’s in an airtight container, and the topping will stay surprisingly crisp.
Freezing
This bake is wonderfully freezer-friendly! To freeze, assemble the dish right up until the topping, then wrap tightly with a double layer of foil. When you’re ready to cook, add the cracker topping just before baking. It’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
If you’ve refrigerated leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave until piping hot, or pop the whole dish back in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to re-crisp the topping and refresh those textures.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well—just thaw and drain it thoroughly first to avoid excess moisture in the bake. You might also want to give it a quick steam so it’s perfectly tender in the final dish.
How can I make this Chicken Broccoli Bake gluten-free?
It’s easy to make this recipe gluten-free—just use a gluten-free condensed chicken soup and swap in gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping. Double-check all packaged ingredients for hidden gluten, and you’re all set.
Is there a way to lighten up this recipe?
Yes! You can swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt (as mentioned in the notes) and use light mayonnaise. Opting for reduced-fat cheese and soup will also trim a few calories without sacrificing the creamy, comforting effect.
Can I add rice or pasta to make Chicken Broccoli Bake a complete meal?
Definitely! Stir in about 2 cups of cooked rice or small pasta (like penne or rotini) with the chicken and broccoli for a heartier, all-in-one meal. You might need a slightly bigger pan, and you can boost the sauce with a splash of milk if it feels too thick.
What’s the best way to get an extra-crispy topping?
For maximum crunch, use Ritz crackers and make sure they’re well coated with melted butter before sprinkling on top. Broiling the bake for the last 2 minutes of cooking will also ensure a deeply golden, crunchy finish—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that brings together comforting flavors, easy prep, and guaranteed smiles at the dinner table, you truly can’t go wrong with Chicken Broccoli Bake. Give it a try and make it your own—once you see those golden edges and cheesy topping, you’ll want to add it to your family’s regular rotation!
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Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting Chicken Broccoli Bake, a creamy and cheesy casserole that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. Tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and a flavorful sauce topped with a crispy buttery crust make this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Bake:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (steamed until just tender)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli until well coated. Spread the mixture in the baking dish.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add cooked rice or pasta to make it a full one-dish meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
