Description
Chicken Broccoli Bake brings comfort straight from your kitchen to the dinner table. Creamy, cheesy goodness comes together with tender chicken and fresh broccoli for a weeknight meal that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Vegetables:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large head of broccoli
Seasoning and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Cheese:
- 3 cups milk
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season 2 pounds of chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 7-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Chop 6 cups of broccoli florets. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet, sauté 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds, then add broccoli and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Create a roux by melting 4 tablespoons butter and whisking in 4 tablespoons flour for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in 3 cups milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens over low heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Season the sauce with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir in 4 cups cheddar and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
- Mix the cooked chicken and broccoli with the cheese sauce. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until the topping turns golden and the sauce bubbles around the edges.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the sauce set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking at 165°F/74°C.
- Salt and pepper each component separately to build layers of flavor throughout the dish.
- Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother, more cohesive cheese sauce.
- Keep broccoli tender-crisp by avoiding overcooking, which helps maintain nutrients and texture.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-42 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 474 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 608 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg