The Best Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful chicken broccoli bake that promises to become your new weeknight favorite.

Creamy textures and hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in a dish that feels like a warm hug.

Weeknight meals can sometimes feel monotonous, but this recipe breaks that cycle with its simple yet satisfying approach.

Fresh broccoli adds a crisp green element that perfectly complements tender chicken pieces.

Layers of cheese melt into a golden, bubbling surface that will make everyone at the table eager to dig in.

Minimal prep work means you can have a nutritious meal ready in under an hour.

Let this mouth-watering chicken broccoli bake become your go-to solution for a quick and delicious dinner that everyone will love.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it completely before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or freshly cooked and shredded chicken all work perfectly in this bake.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or spinach to boost the nutritional value and add more color to the casserole.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe completely gluten-free.

Why Chicken Broccoli Bake Is A Favorite

• Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein-rich black beans and vitamin-loaded sweet potatoes, this chili delivers a wholesome, nutrient-dense meal in one pot.
• Customize with Ease: Top with your favorite garnishes like creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, or sharp cheese to personalize each serving and add extra layers of flavor.
• Quick Comfort Cooking: A simple one-pot recipe that comes together rapidly, perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a hearty, warming meal without complicated preparation.
• Vegetarian Crowd-Pleaser: Plant-based ingredients create a satisfying dish that appeals to vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, making it ideal for diverse dining groups and family meals.

Complete Ingredients For Chicken Broccoli Bake

• Chicken: Tender, cooked protein that forms the main body of the casserole.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base that adds rich flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh, green vegetable that provides nutritional value and texture to the dish.
• Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the casserole.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, or Greek Yogurt: Creamy ingredient that contributes to the rich, smooth sauce.
• Milk: Helps create a liquid consistency for the sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a mild, aromatic flavor throughout the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy note to balance the richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that creates a golden, delicious crust.
• Breadcrumbs or Panko: Adds a crispy, crunchy texture to the casserole.
• Butter or Olive Oil: Helps the breadcrumbs brown and become crisp.

How To Make Chicken Broccoli Bake

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). This will get your kitchen warm and ready for some serious cooking magic.

Step 2: Craft the Silky Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Mayonnaise
• Milk
• Chopped onion
• Garlic powder
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 3: Layer the Tasty Base

Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread out your cooked chicken and broccoli florets.

Pour the luscious sauce over the top, making sure every morsel gets a coating. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese for that irresistible golden finish.

Step 4: Add a Crunchy Crown

Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl. Scatter this crispy topping evenly across the casserole for an extra textural punch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Let it bubble and transform for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts into a gorgeous golden blanket and the breadcrumbs turn a beautiful bronze.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Pull out your masterpiece, let it cool for a moment, then serve hot. Pair with your favorite sides for a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Pro Tips For Chicken Broccoli Bake Success

• Boost the flavor by using rotisserie chicken for extra richness and save cooking time. Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a healthier alternative. Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions. Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a vibrant, aromatic touch. Prep ingredients ahead of time and store in the refrigerator to make weeknight cooking faster and easier.

Delicious Variations For Chicken Broccoli Bake

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Bake: Replace garlic powder with chili powder, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Casserole: Incorporate oregano, basil, and feta cheese, then swap breadcrumbs with crushed pita chips for a Mediterranean flair.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Bake: Sauté sliced mushrooms and mix into the sauce, then sprinkle with parmesan cheese for an earthy, rich flavor profile.
• Lean Green Protein Bake: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, add spinach alongside broccoli, and top with reduced-fat mozzarella for a healthier version.

Serving Ideas For Chicken Broccoli Bake

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this chicken broccoli bake with fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles to soak up the creamy sauce. The combination creates a hearty meal that fills hungry bellies.
• Healthy Lunch Twist: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for a nutritious work or school lunch. The dish stays delicious when reheated and provides a balanced protein and vegetable combo.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this casserole to gatherings as a crowd-pleasing dish that travels well. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and extra flavor before serving.
• Comfort Food Companion: Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the cheesy chicken bake. A crisp side helps cut through the creamy texture and adds nutritional variety.

Best Storage Tips For Chicken Broccoli Bake

• Store leftover chicken broccoli bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Ensure complete cooling before freezing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a preheated 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk to prevent drying out.

Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty chicken broccoli bake melds creamy cheese sauce with tender protein and green vegetables. Quick weeknight dinner delivers comfort and nutrition in each satisfying, golden-crusted serving.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and diced/shredded
• 4 cups (960 ml) broccoli florets, fresh or frozen, thawed, and drained
• 1.5 cups (340 g) shredded cheddar cheese, sharp cheddar or mix with mozzarella/monterey jack
• 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) cream of chicken soup, or cream of mushroom/celery
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise or sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs or panko (optional)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) melted butter (optional, for topping)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C), creating an ideal cooking environment for the casserole.
2. Craft a creamy sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Layer the cooked chicken and broccoli florets evenly across a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Generously drizzle the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli, spreading it uniformly to coat every ingredient.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese across the entire surface, creating a rich, melty top layer.
6. Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter, creating a crisp, golden topping mixture.
7. Scatter the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese, adding texture and crunch to the casserole.
8. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese bubbles and breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, helping the sauce set and flavors meld.
10. Serve piping hot, offering a satisfying and comforting meal that combines creamy, cheesy, and crunchy elements.

Notes

• Swap sour cream or mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier, protein-packed alternative that reduces calories and adds tangy flavor.
• Toast breadcrumbs beforehand in a skillet to enhance their crunchiness and prevent soggy topping during baking.
• Select chicken breasts that are similar in size to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Blanch broccoli briefly in boiling water before adding to the casserole to maintain vibrant green color and crisp texture while partially cooking the vegetable.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg