Cheesy baked chicken broccoli has become my go-to for a satisfying weeknight meal that everyone in the family devours. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of melted cheese and tender chicken wafted through the kitchen, instantly making my kids curious. It’s such an easy cheesy chicken broccoli recipe that even on my busiest evenings, I can whip up this comforting cheesy baked chicken and broccoli dinner. The combination of juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce is simply irresistible. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Chicken Broccoli

This cheesy chicken and broccoli bake is a winner for so many reasons:

• Incredible Flavor: It’s packed with savory chicken, tender broccoli, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce that’s utterly delicious.
• Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of prep, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Approved: Picky eaters rejoice! This comforting casserole is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
• Budget-Friendly: It uses simple, affordable ingredients, making it a great meal for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
• Versatile: Easily customize this cheesy chicken and broccoli bake with different cheeses or add-ins.
• One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup is always a plus, and this dish comes together beautifully.
• Satisfying & Hearty: It’s a complete meal that will leave everyone feeling full and content.

Cheesy Baked Chicken Broccoli Ingredients

Gathering these cheesy chicken broccoli bake ingredients is the first step to a delicious meal. You’ll need 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; this ensures they cook evenly. For the veggies, grab 1 lb broccoli florets – they become perfectly tender-crisp when baked. We’ll also use 8 oz uncooked pasta, like penne or rotini, as the base for our casserole. The creamy sauce comes from 1 cup milk and 1 cup heavy cream, which create a luscious texture. For that irresistible cheesy flavor, we have 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget 2 tablespoons olive oil to coat the chicken and broccoli, plus 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder for seasoning. Of course, salt and pepper to taste are essential. Optionally, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs can add a lovely crunchy topping.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Chicken Broccoli

1. Step 1: Let’s get this delicious meal started by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a nice crispy top and perfectly cooked ingredients.
2. Step 2: Cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain it well and set it aside for later in these cheesy chicken broccoli bake instructions.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine your 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces), 1 lb broccoli florets, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the chicken and broccoli are nicely coated.
4. Step 4: Spread this seasoned chicken and broccoli mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet. This helps everything cook evenly for that perfect texture.
5. Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through with no pink remaining and the broccoli is tender-crisp. The aroma will start filling your kitchen!
6. Step 6: While the chicken and broccoli are baking, it’s time to make our luscious cheese sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together 1 cup milk and 1 cup heavy cream.
7. Step 7: Gradually stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with a little more salt and pepper if you think it needs it.
8. Step 8: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat all the pasta strands in that glorious cheesy goodness.
9. Step 9: Now, add the baked chicken and broccoli mixture to the pasta and cheese. Stir everything together to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the casserole.
10. Step 10: Pour this wonderful mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. This is where the magic happens for our cheesy chicken broccoli bake instructions.
11. Step 11: For an extra special touch, sprinkle 1/4 cup breadcrumbs over the top. This will create a delightful golden, crispy crust.
12. Step 12: Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and heated all the way through. You’re looking for that golden perfection!
13. Step 13: Let your finished cheesy baked chicken broccoli rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it even more delicious.

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Baked Chicken Broccoli

Want to elevate your cheesy chicken and broccoli bake? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned:

• Don’t overcook the broccoli in the initial bake; it will continue to cook in the casserole and you want it tender-crisp, not mushy.
• Use a good quality cheese blend for maximum flavor. A mix of sharp cheddar and Parmesan is my favorite.
• If you’re adding breadcrumbs, toasting them lightly first can give an even crispier texture.
• Ensure your chicken is cut into uniform bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.

What’s the secret to perfect Cheesy Baked Chicken Broccoli?

The real secret to a perfect simple cheesy chicken broccoli bake is balancing the textures. Don’t overcook the broccoli initially, and ensure your cheese sauce is smooth and creamy. It creates a delightful contrast with the tender chicken and pasta.

Can I make Cheesy Baked Chicken Broccoli ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead meal, perfect for busy weeknights and a great option for a cheesy chicken broccoli bake for families. You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the final baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Baked Chicken Broccoli?

The most common pitfalls are soggy broccoli and dry chicken. To prevent soggy broccoli, don’t overbake it in the first step. For dry chicken, make sure not to overcook it initially and ensure it’s coated well in the sauce.

Best Ways to Serve Your Cheesy Baked Chicken Broccoli Dinner

This hearty cheesy baked chicken broccoli dinner is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. For a truly complete meal, consider serving it as is, since it already includes pasta, chicken, and broccoli – a true cheesy chicken broccoli bake with pasta wonder! If you want to add a little extra, a light side salad with a vinaigrette is a perfect counterpoint to the richness. A simple side of garlic bread is also always a crowd-pleaser and complements the cheesy flavors wonderfully. You could also steam some extra green beans or serve it with a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy touch.

Nutrition Facts for Cheesy Baked Chicken Broccoli

This cheesy baked chicken broccoli recipe offers a hearty and satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving (recipe yields 6 servings):

• Calories: 550
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your cheesy chicken and broccoli bake.

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Baked Chicken Broccoli

Leftover cheesy baked chicken broccoli is a treasure, and storing it properly ensures it stays delicious. Once the casserole has cooled down completely – this is important to prevent excess condensation – portion it into airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the reheating methods are simple. For refrigerated portions, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes until heated through, or for a crispier texture, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight first, then follow the oven reheating instructions. I haven’t tried a cheesy chicken broccoli bake no cream variation, but I imagine it would store and reheat similarly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Baked Chicken Broccoli

What is cheesy baked chicken broccoli?

Cheesy baked chicken broccoli is a comforting and delicious casserole featuring tender pieces of chicken and crisp-tender broccoli florets, all coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s often made with pasta or rice as a base, making it a hearty one-dish meal. It’s a popular choice for families looking for an easy and satisfying dinner.

Is this an easy cheesy chicken broccoli recipe?

Yes, absolutely! This recipe is designed to be an easy cheesy chicken broccoli recipe, perfect for weeknights. The steps are straightforward, and most of the cooking time is hands-off baking. You’ll find that assembling this dish is quite simple, making it accessible even for beginner cooks.

Can I use different cheeses in my cheesy chicken broccoli bake?

Definitely! While cheddar and Parmesan are fantastic, feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack, Gruyere, mozzarella, or a Colby blend all work wonderfully in a cheesy chicken broccoli bake. Using a combination of cheeses often adds more depth of flavor. Just ensure you’re using shredded cheese for the best melting consistency.

What’s the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through in the bake?

The key is to cut your chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook through quickly and evenly alongside the broccoli. Always check that the chicken is no longer pink inside before combining it with the sauce and baking for the final time. This simple step guarantees a safe and delicious meal.

Variations of Cheesy Baked Chicken Broccoli You Can Try

This versatile cheesy chicken broccoli bake is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious twists. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Healthy Cheesy Baked Chicken Broccoli: For a lighter version, swap whole milk and heavy cream for 2 cups of low-fat milk and a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken. Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and load up on extra broccoli or add other veggies like spinach or bell peppers. This makes for a wonderfully healthy cheesy baked chicken broccoli option.
• One-Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake: Simplify cleanup even further by skipping the pre-baking of chicken and broccoli. Combine everything – uncooked chicken pieces, broccoli florets, cooked pasta, and cheese sauce – directly in a baking dish. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the casserole is bubbly. This is the ultimate one-pan cheesy chicken broccoli bake!
• Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake with Breadcrumbs: Amp up the crunch by using a generous topping of breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs offer the crispiest texture, but regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers work well. For extra flavor, mix the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and garlic powder before sprinkling them over the top.
• Low-Carb Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake: Skip the pasta entirely! Use extra broccoli, cauliflower rice, or even spiralized zucchini noodles as your base. You can also add cooked chicken sausage or bacon for extra flavor. This is a great way to enjoy the cheesy goodness in a cheesy chicken broccoli bake low carb format.

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