Description
Nothing beats the warmth and comfort of a cheesy casserole on a chilly evening, and the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Bake is one of the most beloved in the lineup.
Ingredients
These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:
Main Bake:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great)
3 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen (blanched if fresh)
1 cup cooked white or brown rice (optional for a heartier meal)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour- 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping (Optional):
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole pan.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add milk and broth, whisking constantly until smooth. Let it simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy and smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli florets, chopped onion, cooked rice (if using), and creamy cheese sauce. Mix well.
Transfer the mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and mozzarella. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
These creamy bakes are flexible, but a few key things help perfect the outcome:
- Whisk the sauce continuously to avoid lumps.
Use room-temperature ingredients to prevent curdling.- Don’t overcook broccoli – Blanch for 2 minutes so it stays vibrant and tender.
- Use fresh cheese for best melt and flavor.
Cool fully before freezing if making ahead.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g