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
Scale
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.
