Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake

Featured in: Family Dinner Plates

This dish combines tender chicken chunks and fresh broccoli florets, tossed in a creamy mixture of sour cream, milk, sharp cheddar, and seasonings. Partially cooked chicken and sautéed onions provide savory depth, while a buttery breadcrumb and cheddar topping adds a golden, crispy finish. Baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole suits a cozy dinner and pairs well with a green salad or rice. Optional tweaks include smoked paprika or Greek yogurt for variation.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 11:41:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake: a hearty casserole with tender chicken and melted cheese. Pin It
Golden, bubbly Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake: a hearty casserole with tender chicken and melted cheese. | sweetbatata.com

A comforting, cheesy casserole featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a golden cheddar topping is perfect for a cozy family dinner.

I remember the first time I made this bake on a chilly evening and it quickly became a family favorite for its delicious cheesy flavor and simplicity.

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Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: 2 large boneless, skinless (about 500 g), cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
  • Broccoli florets: 2 cups (about 200 g) fresh
  • Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 ¼ cups (140 g) shredded, divided
  • Sour cream: ¾ cup (180 ml)
  • Milk: ½ cup (120 ml)
  • Salt: ½ teaspoon
  • Ground black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
  • Breadcrumbs: ½ cup (30 g) gluten-free or regular
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted, melted

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Instructions

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Prepare Oven:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
Sauté Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon of butter until softened, about 3 minutes.
Cook Chicken:
Add chicken cubes and cook, stirring, until just opaque, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Mix Filling:
In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, 1 cup cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt and pepper.
Combine:
Fold in broccoli florets and the partially cooked chicken mixture until evenly combined.
Assemble:
Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Make Topping:
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Rest and Serve:
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
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This cheesy casserole is my son's most requested comfort food and always brings the family together at the dinner table.

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Required Tools

You will need a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish, a large skillet, mixing bowls, a whisk, a cutting board with knife, and measuring cups and spoons.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains milk from cheese, sour cream, and butter. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and always check product labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains approximately 430 calories, 27 g total fat, 13 g carbohydrates, and 34 g protein.

Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake topped with buttery breadcrumbs, perfect for a family dinner tonight. Pin It
Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake topped with buttery breadcrumbs, perfect for a family dinner tonight. | sweetbatata.com
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Pair this bake with a green salad or serve over rice for a heartier meal. Enjoy warm, bubbly comfort in every bite.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I prepare the chicken for the bake?

Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and sauté with onion and garlic until just opaque before combining with other ingredients.

Can I use frozen broccoli in this dish?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen broccoli before adding to maintain texture and avoid excess moisture.

What gives the topping its crispy texture?

A mixture of melted butter, gluten-free or regular breadcrumbs, and shredded cheddar cheese creates a golden, crunchy crust when baked.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the casserole gluten-free while maintaining the topping's texture.

What sides complement this cheesy chicken and broccoli bake?

Fresh green salad or steamed rice pair nicely, balancing comfort with freshness and heartiness.

Can I adjust the dairy ingredients for lighter options?

Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce richness while keeping a creamy consistency.

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Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake

Tender chicken and crisp broccoli baked under a golden cheddar crust, ideal for easy family meals.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
35 min
Overall Time
55 min
Created by Nora James


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details None specified

What You'll Need

Proteins

01 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 lbs), cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables

01 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 7 oz)
02 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

01 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 5 oz), divided
02 3/4 cup sour cream (6 fl oz)
03 1/2 cup milk (4 fl oz)

Pantry

01 1/2 teaspoon salt
02 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
03 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
04 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Topping

01 1/2 cup gluten-free or regular breadcrumbs (about 1 oz)
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cooking Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 02

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter and sauté onion and garlic until softened, approximately 3 minutes.

Step 03

Cook Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the exterior turns opaque but the chicken is not fully cooked, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 04

Combine Dairy Mixture: Whisk together sour cream, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.

Step 05

Incorporate Vegetables and Chicken: Fold the broccoli florets and the partially cooked chicken mixture into the dairy mixture until evenly combined.

Step 06

Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.

Step 07

Prepare and Add Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese and the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 08

Bake: Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Step 09

Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Equipment Needed

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Notice

Check each ingredient for allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
  • Contains milk (cheese, sour cream, butter)
  • Contains wheat if using regular breadcrumbs
  • Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs to avoid gluten

Nutrition Information (per portion)

Sweetbatata only offers this for informational use. Please don't treat it as personalized medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 430
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 34 g

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