Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines the creamy richness of cheese, the hearty goodness of chicken, and the nutritious crunch of broccoli? Look no further! This Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake is about to become your new family favorite – a one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this irresistible, crowd-pleasing recipe that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Add the shredded chicken and steamed broccoli to the soup mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Transfer the chicken and broccoli mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and broccoli mixture.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs to create a crispy topping. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese layer.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken instead of plain boiled chicken.
- Ensure your broccoli is just slightly undercooked when steaming, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- For a crispier breadcrumb topping, consider mixing the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and more authentic flavor.
- If you want to add extra depth, try mixing in some dried herbs like thyme or oregano into the soup mixture.
- Let the dish rest for exactly 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce or Greek yogurt.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
