Save A comforting, cheesy casserole featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a golden cheddar topping—perfect for a cozy family dinner.
This Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake quickly became a favorite in my home. We love how the golden cheddar crust comes out of the oven, bubbling and fragrant, and how the leftovers taste just as good for lunch the next day.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 2 large (about 500 g), cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- Fresh broccoli florets: 2 cups (about 200 g)
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 1 ¼ cups (140 g), 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
- Gluten-free or regular breadcrumbs: ½ cup (30 g)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
Instructions
- Prepare oven and dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Sauté aromatics:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon of butter until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Cook chicken:
- Add chicken cubes and cook, stirring, until just opaque (not fully cooked), about 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Mix main filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, 1 cup cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients:
- Fold in broccoli florets and the partially cooked chicken mixture until evenly combined.
- Assemble casserole:
- Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare 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 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest and serve:
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Save One of my favorite memories is making this dish with my kids and letting them sprinkle the cheesy topping before it went in the oven—the whole kitchen smelled amazing while it baked.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad or over fluffy rice for an extra hearty meal. A glass of chilled Chardonnay pairs beautifully with its creamy, savory flavors.
Allergy and Nutrition Info
This bake contains milk (cheese, sour cream, butter) and wheat if using regular breadcrumbs. Make it gluten-free by using certified GF breadcrumbs. Each serving: 430 calories, 27 g fat, 13 g carbs, 34 g protein.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat portions covered in the oven or microwave until heated through—expect the topping to stay crispy when reheated in the oven.
Save This casserole is a go-to for weeknights and special occasions alike. Enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw and drain it before folding into the mixture to avoid excess moisture.
- → What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great lighter alternative that maintains creaminess and tang.
- → How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the topping crisp and safe for gluten-free diets.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for a few hours before baking, adjusting cooking time slightly if cold from the fridge.
- → What wine pairs well with this cheesy chicken bake?
A Chardonnay complements the creamy cheddar and tender chicken flavors beautifully.