Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe: My Go-To Comfort Bake

After trying tons of casserole dishes, I finally made one that checked all the boxes—this chicken broccoli bake recipe. It’s comforting, cheesy, and full of flavor. I love how easy it is to throw together, especially after a busy day.

The first time I made it, I actually used the creamy blend I use in my Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf Recipe, and it worked beautifully. If you love baked meals, this one’s going to be your new favorite.

What You’ll Need: Chicken Broccoli Bake Ingredients

Here’s everything I used to make this rich, creamy, and flavorful dish. Always try to use fresh, whole ingredients for the best results.

• 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced) – Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
• 2 cups broccoli florets – Lightly steamed, not overcooked to maintain a little crunch.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
• ½ cup cream cheese – Softened to mix in smoothly for creaminess.
• ½ cup sour cream – Adds a tangy depth to the dish.
• ½ cup heavy cream – Creates a luxurious, velvety texture.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – Enhances the savory profile.
• 1 tsp onion powder – Adds background warmth without chopping.
• ½ tsp paprika – A slight smoky note and color boost.
• ½ tsp mustard (optional) – Adds a bit of tang; skip it if you’re not a fan.
• Salt & pepper to taste – Always season to your preference.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For a rich, crispy top layer.

Note: This recipe serves around 4 to 6 people based on portion size.

Creative Variations to Try

Switch things up with these simple twists. Whether you’re cutting dairy or just want extra flavor, these ideas will keep your meals exciting. Perfect if you’re hunting for new dinner recipes to explore.

• Dairy-free option: Use plant-based sour cream and cheese alternatives.
• Add crunch: Toss in cooked bacon bits or crushed pork rinds on top before baking.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat lovers.
• Lower fat version: Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light cream.
• Vegetarian twist: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and add spinach.

Cooking Time Breakdown

Make sure you plan your time right—it’s super easy and quick!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

Gather these basic tools before you start for a smooth cooking experience.

• Oven: Preheat to bake your casserole to bubbly perfection.
• Casserole dish: A medium-sized baking dish works best.
• Mixing bowl: For combining the creamy filling.
• Steamer or saucepan: Lightly steam the broccoli until just tender.
• Spatula or spoon: Stir ingredients together and spread evenly in the dish.
• Cheese grater: Always better to grate fresh cheese yourself.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe?

This recipe is super beginner-friendly. I’ve broken it down step by step so you can make it confidently, even on a busy weekday.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, you can get everything else ready.

Step 2: Steam the Broccoli

Gently steam your broccoli florets until they’re tender but still a bit crisp. Don’t overdo it—you want the broccoli to hold its shape after baking.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.\

Step 4: Add Chicken and Broccoli

Once your creamy base is ready, fold in the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli. Stir everything together so that every bite gets some of that cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Assemble in the Dish

Grease your casserole dish lightly, then pour the mixture in. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so it bakes uniformly.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top. This creates a gooey, golden top layer that’s irresistible.

Step 7: Bake It to Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling and the cheese on top is a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the casserole firm up and makes it easier to serve.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here’s what I learned from making this dish several times. These tips make it taste even better every time!

• Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts smoother than bagged ones.
• Don’t over-steam the broccoli; it finishes cooking in the oven.
• A pinch of nutmeg can elevate the creamy base flavor.
• Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
• Bake uncovered to get a nice golden top.

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe?

Presentation is everything, right? I like to serve this right out of the oven in the baking dish, family-style. You can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color.

For a full dinner, serve it with a side salad or garlic bread. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of something cozy like the Baked Chipotle Cheddar Sweet Potato Chowder Recipe—creamy meets spicy perfection!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown for one serving (based on 6 servings total):

• Calories: ~400
• Protein: ~30g
• Carbohydrates: ~8g
• Fat: ~28g

How to Store Chicken Broccoli Bake

Keep your leftovers tasty by storing them properly. Here’s what I recommend:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Microwave individual servings or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm throughout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish has so many great things going for it. Let me tell you why it’s one of my favorites.

• Quick and easy: You don’t need fancy skills or hours to make it.
• Great for meal prep: Make it once, and enjoy it for days.
• Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults both love the creamy, cheesy flavors.
• Low-carb friendly: Ideal if you’re avoiding pasta or rice.
• Versatile: You can switch ingredients around based on what you have.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

Don’t let these simple errors ruin your delicious dish. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Overcooking broccoli: It gets mushy in the oven, so keep it slightly firm when steaming.
• Not softening cream cheese: This can lead to lumps in your sauce.
• Using pre-shredded cheese: It has anti-caking agents that don’t melt as well.
• Under-seasoning: Taste your creamy mixture before baking and adjust seasoning.
• Overbaking: It can dry out—remove once it’s golden and bubbling.

More Info for a Better Cooking Experience

If you love making cozy casseroles, here are some ideas to expand your dinner recipe collection:

• Add cooked rice or quinoa for a heartier twist.
• Swap cheddar with Gruyère for a fancier finish.
• Mix in sautéed mushrooms for extra umami.

You can even prep everything ahead and store it in the fridge until dinner time. It’s such a flexible and delicious recipe—you’ll find new ways to enjoy it every time.

Ben Carraoli

Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

After trying tons of casserole dishes, I finally made one that checked all the boxes—this chicken broccoli bake recipe. It’s comforting, cheesy, and full of flavor. I love how easy it is to throw together, especially after a busy day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced – Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
• 2 cups broccoli florets – Lightly steamed not overcooked to maintain a little crunch.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
• ½ cup cream cheese – Softened to mix in smoothly for creaminess.
• ½ cup sour cream – Adds a tangy depth to the dish.
• ½ cup heavy cream – Creates a luxurious velvety texture.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – Enhances the savory profile.
• 1 tsp onion powder – Adds background warmth without chopping.
• ½ tsp paprika – A slight smoky note and color boost.
• ½ tsp mustard optional – Adds a bit of tang; skip it if you’re not a fan.
• Salt & pepper to taste – Always season to your preference.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For a rich crispy top layer.

Method

 

1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, you can get everything else ready.
2. Gently steam your broccoli florets until they’re tender but still a bit crisp. Don’t overdo it—you want the broccoli to hold its shape after baking.
3. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Once your creamy base is ready, fold in the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli. Stir everything together so that every bite gets some of that cheesy goodness.
5. Grease your casserole dish lightly, then pour the mixture in. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so it bakes uniformly.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top. This creates a gooey, golden top layer that’s irresistible.
7. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling and the cheese on top is a beautiful golden brown.
8. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the casserole firm up and makes it easier to serve.