Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake

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.

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

Instructions

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.

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.

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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.