There’s something undeniably comforting about casseroles and bakes. These dishes bring together the best of convenience, flavor, and warmth, making them favorites for home cooks everywhere. Casseroles are incredibly versatile—perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or cleaning out leftover ingredients from your fridge. From creamy classics to hearty, cheesy creations, casseroles hold a special place in our hearts (and on our dinner tables).
Today, we’re talking about one of the all-time favorites—a Chicken and Broccoli Bake. This dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and nutrition. Tender pieces of chicken, wholesome broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all baked under a golden crust—what's not to love?
Gather your apron, because we’re diving into a step-by-step recipe to make this mouthwatering casserole from scratch. Plus, we’ll provide plenty of customization tips so you can make it your own.
Chicken and Broccoli Bake Recipe
Ingredients
For the base:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta (optional, for added heartiness)
For the creamy sauce:
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
For the topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter. Set aside.
2. Cook the Broccoli:
Blanch your broccoli florets in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, until they’re bright green and slightly tender. Drain well and set aside. (If you’re using frozen broccoli, just thaw and pat dry.)
3. Make the Sauce:
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once fully melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth paste (a roux).
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to eliminate lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken. This takes about 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the cooked chicken, broccoli, and (if using) rice or pasta evenly in the baking dish.
- Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the top, ensuring everything is well coated. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture.
5. Add the Topping:
- Mix the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese (optional) in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole for a deliciously crispy topping.
6. Bake:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
7. Serve:
Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Dish it out with a big spoon and watch everyone dig in!
Tips for Success & Customization
- Switch Up the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? Try cooked ground beef, turkey, or even canned tuna for a twist.
- Add Extra Veggies: While broccoli is a classic, you can mix in mushrooms, peas, carrots, or cauliflower to bulk up the dish with more vegetables.
- Spice Things Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce or sprinkle chopped jalapeños on top for a hint of heat.
- Go Low-Carb: Skip the pasta or rice and add extra broccoli or cauliflower instead.
- Play With Cheese: Swap the cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or a mix of your favorite cheeses.
Storage and Reheating
One of the best things about casseroles is how well they store and reheat. Here’s how to keep your Chicken and Broccoli Bake tasting like it just came out of the oven:
- Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in cling wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake straight from frozen—just add 15–20 minutes to the cooking time!
- Reheating: To reheat individual portions, microwave for 2–3 minutes until hot, or pop the whole dish back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the topping from burning.
Casseroles and bakes are the ultimate mix of convenience and comfort, and this Chicken and Broccoli Bake is bound to become one of your go-to recipes. Whether you follow the recipe to a T or customize it with your favorite flavors, this dish will always hit the spot. It’s a warm, cheesy hug in a dish—perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or lazy weekend cooking. Enjoy!
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