Save to Pinterest 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 on a chilly evening when we needed something extra cozy, and it quickly became a weeknight favorite in our home.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 2 large (about 500 g), cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- Fresh broccoli florets: 2 cups (about 200 g)
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 1 ¼ cups (140 g), 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
- Prep Oven and Dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon of butter until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Cook Chicken:
- Add chicken cubes and cook, stirring, until just opaque (not fully cooked), about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Mix Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, 1 cup cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Fold in broccoli florets and the partially cooked chicken mixture until evenly combined.
- Assemble Bake:
- Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest My kids love helping sprinkle the cheesy topping, and we always share hearty laughs around the table while enjoying this meal together.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the casserole with a green salad or serve it over rice for a filling meal. Chardonnay or another dry white wine complements the rich flavors perfectly.
Variations
Try swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt to lighten it up, or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the topping for extra depth. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
Allergen and Nutrition Info
This recipe contains milk (cheese, sour cream, butter) and wheat (if using regular breadcrumbs). Calories per serving: 430, with 27 g fat, 13 g carbohydrates, and 34 g protein. Always double-check labels if serving to those with food allergies.
Save to Pinterest This bake is sure to become a staple for effortless comfort food nights. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Ask About This Recipe
- → Can frozen broccoli be used in this dish?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw and drain it thoroughly before folding into the mixture to avoid excess moisture.
- → How can I make the topping crispier?
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling on top. This encourages a golden and crunchy texture when baked.
- → Is it possible to lighten the creamy sauce?
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce richness while maintaining a creamy texture.
- → What cooking dish size is recommended?
A 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish fits the ingredients perfectly and ensures even cooking.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, using certified gluten-free breadcrumbs keeps it suitable for gluten-free diets without compromising texture.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A white wine like Chardonnay complements the creamy cheddar and savory chicken flavors nicely.