Are you looking for a wholesome, easy-to-make dish that's packed with flavor and nutrition? This Chicken Broccoli Bake is the perfect answer! Combining tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this bake will become a family favorite in no time. Read on to discover how to make this mouthwatering dish from scratch, complete with tips and variations to suit your taste.
What is a Chicken Broccoli Bake?
A Chicken Broccoli Bake is a savory casserole dish that features diced chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and a creamy cheese sauce. It's baked until bubbly and golden brown, making it a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, providing a good balance of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Ingredients List for Chicken Broccoli Bake
To make this delightful dish, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups diced chicken breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for the best results.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli is ideal, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained well.
- ½ cup cream cheese: This adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- 2 tablespoon mayonnaise: Provides a slight tang and helps bind the ingredients together.
- ¾ cup cheddar cheese, grated: Cheddar adds a sharp, cheesy flavor. You can also mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall savory taste.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground pepper is best for added heat and aroma.
Substitutions and Variations
This Chicken Broccoli Bake recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Protein Substitutes: Swap the chicken breast for turkey breast, rotisserie chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses such as Swiss, Monterey Jack, or gouda for a unique twist.
- Low-Fat Option: Use low-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise to reduce the calorie content without sacrificing flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Chicken Broccoli Bake:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot enough for baking.
- Prepare the chicken: Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, cook the chicken over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
- Blanch the broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and half of the grated cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, broccoli, and cheese sauce until well combined.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Cook Chicken Broccoli Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking a Chicken Broccoli Bake is straightforward and rewarding. Here's a detailed guide to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:
- Preparation: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the baking process is efficient.
- Chicken Cooking: Season and cook the chicken pieces in a skillet until they're no longer pink. This step is crucial for ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and flavorful.
- Blanching Broccoli: Boil the broccoli briefly to soften it slightly while retaining its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Sauce Preparation: Mixing the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and cheese creates a creamy, cohesive sauce that binds the bake together.
- Combining Ingredients: Thoroughly mix the chicken, broccoli, and sauce to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Baking: Baking at the right temperature ensures the dish cooks evenly, with a melted, golden cheese topping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Chicken: Avoid drying out the chicken by cooking it just until done.
- Underseasoning: Season the chicken and sauce well to enhance the overall flavor.
- Skipping Blanching: Blanching the broccoli is essential for achieving the right texture.
- Inadequate Mixing: Ensure the chicken, broccoli, and sauce are well combined for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the bake to prevent the cheese from burning.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To make your Chicken Broccoli Bake even more appealing:
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for color and flavor.
- Side Dishes: Serve with a side of garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted potatoes.
- Portioning: Cut the bake into neat squares or scoop out portions with a large spoon.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Bake
Serve this delicious dish directly from the baking dish to retain its warmth and presentation. Use a large serving spoon or spatula to transfer portions onto plates. Accompany the bake with complementary sides like crusty bread or a fresh garden salad.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Broccoli Bake
Enhance the visual appeal of your Chicken Broccoli Bake with these presentation ideas:
- Layering: Create visible layers of chicken, broccoli, and cheese for a structured look.
- Cheese Crust: Achieve a golden, crispy cheese crust by broiling the bake for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Herb Garnish: Add a pop of color with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme.
Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh broccoli and high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
- Cheese Mix: Combine different cheeses for a richer taste.
- Advance Preparation: Assemble the bake ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli? A: Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Broccoli Bake? A: Yes, you can freeze the bake before or after cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of cream cheese? A: Substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a different but delicious flavor.
Q: How do I make it spicier? A: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Conclusion
This Chicken Broccoli Bake is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines the best of tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and creamy, cheesy goodness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this bake is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Try it out, experiment with variations, and enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Don't forget to share this recipe with friends and family – happy cooking!
PrintChicken Broccoli Bake Recipe
This Chicken Broccoli Bake is a creamy and cheesy delight featuring diced chicken breast and fresh broccoli florets. Perfect for a family dinner, this easy recipe combines cream cheese, mayonnaise, and cheddar with garlic and onion powders for a flavorful dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups diced chicken breast
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- ¾ cup cheddar, grated
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine diced chicken, broccoli florets, cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of paprika or chili flakes.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a healthier option.
- Ensure broccoli is evenly coated for a consistent taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of the bake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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