Save A comforting, cheesy casserole featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a golden cheddar topping—perfect for a cozy family dinner.
I often make this Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake on busy evenings when everyone craves something hearty but I want minimal fuss. The cheesy topping always gets rave reviews from my family.
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
- Bread crumbs: ½ cup (30 g), gluten-free or regular
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
Instructions
- Prepare Oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic:
- 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.
- Make Cheese Mixture:
- 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.
- Fill Baking Dish:
- Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese and bread crumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest:
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Save Sharing this bake brings us together at the table, with everyone reaching for seconds. It’s the kind of meal that sparks laughter and stories while the casserole dish empties.
Required Tools
23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish, large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, cutting board and knife, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains: Milk (cheese, sour cream, butter), Wheat (if using regular bread crumbs). Always verify ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 430 Protein: 34 g Carb: 13 g Fat: 27 g (per serving)
Save Serve hot from the oven, and enjoy this cozy casserole with a crisp green salad or over rice. The cheesy, golden crust is sure to satisfy.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Partially cooking the chicken cubes in a skillet before baking helps maintain moisture and tenderness throughout the dish.
- → Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, just thaw and drain frozen broccoli florets before mixing to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- → What gives the topping its crispy texture?
Combining melted butter with breadcrumbs and a sprinkling of cheddar creates a golden, crunchy crust during baking.
- → Are there alternatives to sour cream in the sauce?
Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream to add a lighter, tangy creaminess without changing the flavor profile much.
- → Which herbs complement this dish well?
Dried thyme is used for an aromatic note, but fresh thyme or a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the flavor further.