Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a weeknight wonder that never fails to please: Chicken Broccoli Bake. This creamy, cheesy casserole brings together juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and a crispy, buttery topping in every forkful. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like home, whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress at your next potluck. Packed with comforting flavor, a rich golden crust, and just the right amount of veggies, this bake is sure to become a regular star at your table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Chicken Broccoli Bake so special is just how effortless the ingredients are—simple pantry staples and kitchen classics, each lending their unique character to the finished dish. Gather these goodies for your casserole and see how each component shines!

• Cooked chicken (3 cups): Perfect for using up rotisserie chicken or leftovers, and ensures juicy protein in every bite.
• Fresh broccoli florets (4 cups, lightly steamed): Brings vibrant color, crunch, and a mild earthiness that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The classic casserole cheat—it instantly adds creaminess, savory depth, and binds everything together.
• Sour cream (1/2 cup): Provides tang and silky richness, rounding out the flavors.
• Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds extra creaminess and a subtle zing that makes the sauce irresistible.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the dish with gentle garlicky warmth.
• Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds savory, deep undertones without any chopping required.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning all the layers to perfection.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A mild kick that brings everything into tasty harmony.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Sharp and melty, it creates that mouthwatering cheesy blanket on top.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Ensures gooeyness and stretches with each serving.
• Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Forms the all-important crunchy topping—choose whichever you prefer for maximum crunch.
• Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Brings rich, buttery flavor to the golden crust.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is coming up to temperature, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—just a little swipe of oil or cooking spray will do the trick and prevent any stubborn sticking later.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce

In a big bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You want the mixture to be super smooth. This is the rich, tangy backbone of your Chicken Broccoli Bake!

Step 3: Add Chicken and Broccoli

Fold in your cooked chicken and lightly steamed broccoli florets. Mix until every piece is cozily coated in that luscious sauce. This ensures each bite is packed with flavor and the filling is perfectly balanced between protein and greens.

Step 4: Fill the Dish and Add Cheese

Spoon the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Give it a little wiggle to settle, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top—spreading them out for maximum melty coverage.

Step 5: Prepare and Add the Topping

In a small bowl, toss the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter until everything is nicely coated. Evenly sprinkle this golden mixture over the cheese, setting the stage for that deliciously crunchy finish.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown. Allow the Chicken Broccoli Bake to rest for five minutes before you scoop it out—this brief pause helps everything set for perfect slices.

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Bake

Garnishes

Add a final flourish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onion for color and a touch of bright flavor. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a dusting of parmesan are also welcome additions to really wake up the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This bake is hearty all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, buttered egg noodles, or even a warm baguette to soak up any creamy sauce left on the plate. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots make simple, wholesome companions too.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, try portioning Chicken Broccoli Bake into individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes for a special touch. Or, cut pieces into neat squares once cooled slightly for brunch-style servings—this dish knows how to dress up or down according to the occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Broccoli Bake keeps like a dream. Simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and they will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and get even cozier overnight, making next-day lunches a treat.

Freezing

You can easily freeze portions for later! Once the bake has fully cooled, wrap tightly in foil or put into a freezer-friendly container. It keeps its texture for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the cracker topping and add that fresh when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual servings into the microwave until hot, or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven. If you’ve frozen it, make sure it’s thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating so everything cooks evenly and the topping stays crunchy.

FAQs

Can I substitute frozen broccoli for fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain frozen broccoli thoroughly to prevent excess moisture. It’s a speedy swap that works beautifully when you’re short on time.

What kind of chicken works best for Chicken Broccoli Bake?

Any cooked chicken is fair game—rotisserie, grilled breasts, leftover thighs, or even poached chicken. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced for easy mixing and even baking.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

Yes! Swap Greek yogurt for the sour cream, use light mayonnaise, and choose low-fat cheese. The Chicken Broccoli Bake will still be rich and satisfying, just a little easier on the calories.

Can I make Chicken Broccoli Bake ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the casserole (just leave off the cracker topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking so it stays crisp and golden.

What’s the best way to keep the topping crunchy?

Always add the buttered crackers or breadcrumbs right before baking. If you’re reheating leftovers, give the topping a quick blast under the broiler for a minute or two to revive its crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a no-fuss dinner that everyone will rush to the table for, Chicken Broccoli Bake is it. The flavors, the textures, the ease—what’s not to adore? I hope you add this little gem to your rotation and make it your own. There’s nothing like sharing a bubbling, golden casserole with the ones you love!

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