Description
Hearty chicken broccoli bake delivers comforting layers of creamy cheese sauce and tender protein nestled with green florets. Homemade goodness awaits with simple ingredients and quick preparation that welcomes families to savor each satisfying forkful.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Bake Ingredients:
Main Protein and Vegetables:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 2 cups frozen, thawed)
Cheese and Starch:
- 1.5 cups cooked rice (or substitute with pasta)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups milk
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease layer, then set the oven temperature to 375F (190C) for optimal heating.
- Transform the broccoli by briefly submerging fresh florets in rapidly boiling water for two minutes, then immediately cooling and draining. For frozen broccoli, ensure complete thawing and thorough liquid removal.
- Craft a luxurious sauce foundation by gently melting butter in a saucepan, introducing minced garlic and allowing its aromatic essence to bloom. Incorporate flour with vigorous whisking to eliminate potential lumps, creating a silky roux. Gradually introduce milk and chicken broth, stirring continuously until a smooth consistency emerges. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika, allowing the mixture to thicken and develop robust flavors. Remove from heat and fold in sour cream for additional creaminess.
- Combine cooked chicken, prepared broccoli, rice, and approximately half the shredded cheese in a spacious mixing bowl. Pour the velvety sauce over the ingredients, ensuring complete and even coating. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly and topping with remaining cheese.
- Create a crisp topping by thoroughly blending breadcrumbs with melted butter, then generously distributing the mixture across the casserole’s surface.
- Position the assembled dish in the preheated oven, allowing it to bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top transforms into a golden-brown landscape and the interior becomes thoroughly heated and bubbling.
- After removing from the oven, permit the casserole a brief five-minute resting period to stabilize and allow flavors to harmonize before serving.
Notes
- Blanch broccoli quickly to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture, preventing overcooking and preserving nutritional value.
- Drain excess moisture from broccoli and chicken to prevent a watery casserole, ensuring a creamy and rich consistency.
- Customize the dish by swapping rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative that still provides delicious protein-packed comfort.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth to the bake, making meal prep easier and more convenient.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg