Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds? This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Bake is not just another casserole – it's a comfort food symphony that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luxuriously creamy sauce that will make your mouth water from the first bite. Perfect for busy families and comfort food lovers, this dish promises to be the star of your dinner table, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Add the steamed broccoli florets to the chicken mixture. Season with salt and pepper, stirring gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Transfer the chicken and broccoli mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter to help them brown and crisp up.
- Evenly distribute the buttered breadcrumbs across the top of the cheese layer.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- For the most tender and flavorful chicken, use rotisserie chicken or freshly poached chicken breasts instead of pre-packaged shredded chicken.
- Steam the broccoli just until bright green to maintain its crisp texture and vibrant color. Overcooking will make it mushy and dull.
- For extra crunch, mix some crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs with the regular breadcrumbs for your topping.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can assemble it completely and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
- For a healthier version, use low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding some mozzarella or adding a sprinkle of parmesan for extra depth of flavor.
- Let the dish rest for at least 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 292kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 66mg
