Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and gooey melted cheese in one irresistible meal? Look no further! This Chicken Broccoli with Cheese recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dinner that promises to satisfy your hunger and delight your senses. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this American-style comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a quick, delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 lb of sliced chicken breasts, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of cream of chicken soup, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking later in the recipe.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken breasts to the skillet. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain the broccoli and set it aside.
- Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low and add the cream of chicken soup to the skillet. Stir well to combine the soup with the chicken, allowing it to heat through for about 2 minutes.
- Next, add the blanched broccoli to the skillet, mixing it gently with the chicken and soup mixture until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the chicken and broccoli mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and broccoli mixture.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Chicken Broccoli with Cheese hot, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, make sure to season your chicken generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper before cooking.
- Blanch the broccoli briefly to maintain its bright green color and crisp texture. Be careful not to overcook, as you want it to remain slightly tender.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting quality and most authentic flavor. Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute cream of chicken soup with Greek yogurt or a low-fat cream sauce.
- Feel free to add extra seasonings like dried herbs (thyme, oregano) or red pepper flakes for additional flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
