Cheesy Baked Chicken & Broccoli

This Cheesy Baked Chicken & Broccoli recipe has become a real weeknight hero in our house. Let’s be honest, getting everyone to agree on dinner can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield, especially with my two picky eaters. But this dish? It’s a unanimous winner! The creamy, cheesy sauce enveloping tender chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli is just pure comfort food. Even my broccoli-averse child devours it, declaring it “broccoli trees in a cheese blanket.” It’s incredibly simple to throw together, which is a lifesaver on busy evenings, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day for lunch. Honestly, if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free meal that’s both satisfying and sneaks in some veggies, you absolutely have to try this Cheesy Baked Chicken & Broccoli. It’s a guaranteed family favorite!

Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Chicken & Broccoli

• Chicken Breasts: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, providing the lean protein base of the dish.
• Broccoli Florets: 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets, adding essential vitamins and fiber.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup, forming the creamy base of the sauce. Choose low sodium for a healthier option.
• Milk: ½ cup milk, used to thin the cream of chicken soup to the desired consistency. You can use whole milk for extra richness or skim milk to reduce fat.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided, providing the cheesy flavor and delicious melted topping. Sharp cheddar will give a stronger flavor, while mild cheddar is more kid-friendly.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, enhancing the savory flavor profile of the dish.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon onion powder, adding depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, to season and balance the flavors.
• Salt: To taste, for seasoning, be mindful of salt content in the cream of chicken soup and cheese.
• Optional: Breadcrumbs: ¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular), for a crispy topping if desired.
• Optional: Paprika: ½ teaspoon paprika, for color and a hint of smokiness, especially if using breadcrumbs.

Instructions for Making Cheesy Baked Chicken & Broccoli

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Prepare the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness (about ½ inch). This ensures they cook evenly and quickly. You can place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as it will flavor the entire dish.
3. Arrange Chicken and Broccoli in Dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Distribute the broccoli florets evenly around and between the chicken breasts. Ensure the broccoli is somewhat spread out to allow for even cooking.
4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth and well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of soup remaining. Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until it is mostly melted and incorporated into the sauce. The sauce should be creamy and cheesy.
5. Pour Sauce Over Chicken and Broccoli: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish. Ensure the sauce covers as much of the chicken and broccoli as possible for maximum cheesy goodness.
6. Top with Remaining Cheese (and Breadcrumbs): Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dish. If you are using breadcrumbs for a crispy topping, mix them with paprika (if using) and sprinkle them evenly over the cheese. The paprika will add a nice color and subtle flavor to the breadcrumbs.
7. Bake in Preheated Oven: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center, and the broccoli is tender-crisp and easily pierced with a fork. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). The cheese topping should be melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Resting also helps to keep the chicken juicy. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts for Cheesy Baked Chicken & Broccoli

(Per Serving, approximate values based on recipe as described, may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes)

• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal per serving
• Protein: 40-50g

Note: These values are estimates and can vary. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with specific ingredient brands.

Preparation Time for Cheesy Baked Chicken & Broccoli

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (includes chopping broccoli, preparing chicken, and mixing sauce)
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes (baking in the oven)
• Total Time: 45-60 minutes (from start to finish)

This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Chicken & Broccoli

This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Classic Sides:
  • Rice: Serve over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the cheesy chicken and broccoli perfectly, creating a comforting and hearty meal.
  • Pasta: Egg noodles, rotini, or penne pasta are great options for serving alongside or mixing in with the cheesy chicken and broccoli.
• Vegetable Sides:
  • Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add extra nutrients and flavor to the meal.
  • Steamed Green Beans: Simple steamed green beans are a healthy and easy side that pairs well.
• Bread:
  • Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious cheese sauce.
  • Dinner Rolls: Warm dinner rolls or biscuits are always a welcome addition to a comfort food meal.
• For a Lighter Meal:
  • Cauliflower Rice: Swap out regular rice for cauliflower rice to reduce carbs and add extra vegetables.
  • Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Serve over zucchini noodles for a low-carb and gluten-free option.

Additional Tips for Perfect Cheesy Baked Chicken & Broccoli

1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken.
2. Blanch Broccoli for Even Cooking: For more tender broccoli, blanch it briefly before baking. Boil broccoli florets in salted water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps them cook evenly in the oven and retain a vibrant green color.
3. Customize Your Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can experiment with other cheeses or cheese blends. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheddar and Gruyere would all be delicious. Consider using a smoked cheese for a deeper flavor.
4. Add Extra Flavor Boosters: Enhance the flavor profile by adding other seasonings to the sauce. A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, dried thyme or oregano for an herby touch, or a dash of Dijon mustard for tanginess would all work well.
5. Make it Creamier: For an even richer and creamier sauce, substitute heavy cream or half-and-half for some or all of the milk. You can also add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce for extra creaminess and tang.
6. Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish. Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or frozen peas would all be great additions. Consider sautéing harder vegetables like onions and peppers before adding them to the baking dish to ensure they cook through.
7. Prepare Ahead of Time: You can assemble this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or busy weeknights. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
8. Make it Crispy Topped: For a crispy topping, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are larger and crispier. Toss the breadcrumbs with melted butter and paprika before sprinkling them over the cheese for extra flavor and crispiness. You can also broil the dish for the last minute or two of baking to get the topping extra golden brown and crispy, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cheesy Baked Chicken & Broccoli

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. There’s no need to thaw them before using. Just add them directly to the baking dish. Keep in mind that frozen broccoli may release a bit more water during cooking, so the sauce might be slightly thinner. You can compensate for this by using slightly less milk or adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce before baking if you prefer a thicker consistency.

Q2: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well and will result in a richer, more flavorful dish due to their higher fat content. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for convenience. Baking time might need to be slightly adjusted as thighs can sometimes take a bit longer to cook than breasts. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, with a few simple substitutions! To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup (many brands offer gluten-free options) and ensure your shredded cheese is also gluten-free (most are, but always check the label). Omit the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping if desired.

Q4: How do I store leftovers and how long will they last?

A: Store leftover Cheesy Baked Chicken & Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. Oven reheating is recommended for maintaining texture, while microwave is quicker for a single serving.

Q5: Can I freeze Cheesy Baked Chicken & Broccoli?

A: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the sauce and broccoli may change slightly upon thawing. Dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed. If you do freeze it, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating in the oven is recommended to help restore the texture.

Q6: What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup? Can I substitute something else?

A: If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can make a substitute. You can use cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup as a similar base. Alternatively, you can make a simple white sauce (béchamel) using butter, flour, and milk, then add shredded cheese to create a cheese sauce. Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to mimic the flavor profile of cream of chicken soup.

Q7: How can I make this dish healthier?

A: To make this Cheesy Baked Chicken & Broccoli healthier, you can:
* Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup.
* Use reduced-fat or part-skim shredded cheese.
* Use skim milk instead of whole milk.
* Increase the amount of broccoli and add other vegetables to boost nutrient content.
* Serve with a side salad to add freshness and fiber.
* Consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs if using a breadcrumb topping.

Q8: Can I add a crispy topping without breadcrumbs?

A: Yes, you can create a crispy topping without breadcrumbs. Try using crushed-up crackers (like Ritz crackers or gluten-free crackers), crushed potato chips, or even crispy fried onions for a different texture and flavor. You can also simply broil the cheese topping for a minute or two at the end of baking to get it bubbly and slightly crispy.

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