If you are looking for a dish that effortlessly combines comfort, nutrition, and a burst of cheesy goodness, this Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a warm, inviting casserole that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious creamy sauce topped with a golden crunchy cracker crust. This recipe is perfect when you want to impress family or unwind with a hearty meal that feels like a big, delicious hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe plays a key role, from the creamy base to the crispy topping, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Keep these simple pantry staples ready to whip up something truly special.
- Chicken breasts: Cooked and chopped for tender protein that complements every bite.
- Fresh broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, green crunch and vibrant color to brighten the plate.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy, savory goodness that packs bold flavor throughout the bake.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty depth to enrich the cheesy topping.
- Cream of chicken soup: The creamy base that ties all ingredients together with comforting richness.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and a smooth texture to the sauce.
- Milk: Lightens the sauce for a luscious consistency that’s not too thick.
- Garlic powder: Brings warming aromatic notes to the dish.
- Onion powder: Enhances savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate every ingredient.
- Crushed Ritz crackers: Creates a buttery, crunchy topping that makes this bake irresistible.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli
Start by cooking your chicken breasts until they’re fully cooked and juicy, then chop them into bite-sized pieces to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the bake. While the chicken cools, steam fresh broccoli florets until just tender-crisp to keep their vibrant green color and provide a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This size is perfect for layering all the ingredients and giving the chicken and broccoli ample room to bake beautifully without crowding.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, blend together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth and well combined. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to this mixture for a flavor boost that will infuse every bite. This sauce is the heart of your Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe, so make sure to mix it thoroughly.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Begin by layering the steamed broccoli and chopped chicken evenly in your prepared dish. Then, pour the luscious sauce over the top, ensuring every piece is generously coated. This layering helps every forkful deliver a perfect balance of chicken, veggie, and creamy sauce.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Crunch
Next, sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese evenly atop the sauce for that irresistible cheesy finish. Finally, crush the Ritz crackers and distribute them as a golden, buttery topping. This final layer bakes into a crunchy crust that perfectly contrasts with the creamy interior.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Look for a bubbly, golden brown finish on top to know your Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe is ready to be devoured. The aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few red pepper flakes can brighten up your Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe with a pop of color and a subtle kick. Fresh herbs add a lovely fragrant contrast to the creamy, cheesy base.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Alternatively, a simple garlic bread or crusty baguette can soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this bake in individual ramekins to make each serving feel special. You could also portion it into lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held version or sprinkle extra cheese and crackers on top before baking for a double crunch effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Stored properly, it will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator, making it a convenient next-day meal.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully, perfect for meal prep or saving for busy nights. Freeze in a well-sealed container or foil-wrapped dish for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick fix, or warm the entire dish in a 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbly again. Adding a splash of milk before reheating can help maintain creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works fine, just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to keep the bake from getting watery.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, or even make a homemade white sauce to keep the dish creamy and flavorful.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe is perfect for preparing ahead. You can assemble it, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for a day before baking, making weeknight dinners super easy.
Can I add other vegetables to the bake?
Definitely. Feel free to toss in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even carrots for extra color and nutrition. Just steam or pre-cook them to match the broccoli’s tenderness.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply replace the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or omit the topping altogether. Just be sure to use gluten-free cream of chicken soup as well.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe truly checks all the boxes for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. It’s a wonderful dish to bring people together around the table, and the beautiful blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli is sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try—once you do, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Broccoli Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring tender chicken breasts, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce topped with crispy crushed crackers. Perfect for a family dinner, this baked dish combines savory flavors and textures in a simple, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Other Ingredients
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 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 thoroughly and chop them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the bake.
- Steam the Broccoli: Steam the fresh broccoli florets until they reach a tender-crisp texture, which retains their vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and aid in even baking.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk to create a creamy base for the casserole.
- Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce mixture, stirring well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Assemble the Bake: In the greased baking dish, layer the steamed broccoli and chopped chicken, spreading them out evenly.
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared creamy sauce mixture evenly over the broccoli and chicken layers to coat ingredients.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese uniformly on top for a rich, cheesy topping.
- Add the Crunchy Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers finely and sprinkle them evenly over the cheese layer to add a golden, crunchy crust.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating the dish is heated through and ready to serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of paprika or dried herbs like thyme or parsley to the sauce.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before assembling to ensure food safety.
- Substitute Ritz crackers with breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a different crunchy texture.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking cold.
- To make it low-fat, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheeses.
