Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:6

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large head of broccoli (about 1.5 lbs / 680g), cut into florets
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (720ml) whole milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided (reserve ½ cup for topping)
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided (reserve ¼ cup for topping)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Chop chicken and broccoli.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and thyme; cook until fragrant.
• Add chicken to the skillet and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Add broccoli florets and cook until slightly tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
• In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
• Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
• Remove from heat. Stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg (if using), 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
• Pour cheese sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture in the skillet. Stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the top of the bake.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
• Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450

Fat:25g

Fiber:3g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Recipe Introduction

Ever get that craving for something proper comforting? Something like your mum used to make, but, you know, a bit more you ? Well, then buckle up, buttercup! Our Cheesy chicken broccoli bake Chicken recipe is just what the doctor ordered.

It’s cheesy, it's creamy, and it's packed with goodness. And honestly? It's a total winner for those nights when you just can't be arsed to cook anything too complicated.

Quick Hook

This isn’t just any bake; it's Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Bake . It's a taste of home, but better. The combo of chicken, broccoli, and a seriously cheesy sauce is just pure magic.

Brief Overview

Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole dishes like this are a staple. Think of it as a hug in a dish. This version is dead easy, taking only 50 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe makes about 6 servings, so it's perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about this recipe? It is packed with protein from the chicken. This Baked Chicken With Broccoli meal is brilliant for a balanced diet.

This dish is great for a family gathering or a chilly evening when you need something comforting and filling.

Ready to give this a bash? Here’s what you’ll need. We're talking simple ingredients you can find in any supermarket, so no need to trek to some fancy deli, cheers to that!

Ingredients for Your Epic Bake

Let's run through what you'll need to make this Comfort Food Chicken Broccoli bake. First, grab 2 lbs of chicken breasts, the foundation of our dish.

Then, a big head of broccoli, around 1.5 lbs. You can't forget the cheese sauce, so you'll need butter, flour, and milk.

Lastly, grab your cheddar and parmesan cheese to make this bake super cheesy.

Before we start, get the oven preheating to 375° F ( 190° C). Trust me, that's important. While it's heating, chop up the chicken and broccoli.

Doing this first will make the cooking process nice and smooth. Oh my gosh, I love when a plan comes together!

Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear for this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake Chicken!

Alright, mate, fancy whipping up a Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake ? Trust me, it's easier than finding a decent parking spot on a Saturday.

Plus, this Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole is proper comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Here’s what you need. Remember, quality in, quality out, yeah?

• Chicken: 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Fresh is best. If it smells off, bin it!
• Broccoli: 1 large head (about 1.5 lbs / 680g) . Go for vibrant green florets. Nobody wants yellow broccoli.
• Onion: 1 medium (about 1 cup chopped). Yellow onions are classic but white works too.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is key. None of that jarred stuff, yeah?
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons . Extra virgin for the best flavor.
• Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon .
• Pepper: ¼ teaspoon .
• Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted.
• Flour: ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose.
• Milk: 3 cups (720ml) whole milk. Makes a richer sauce.
• Nutmeg (optional): ¼ teaspoon ground. A little warmth never hurt.
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (225g) shredded, divided. Get a good quality cheddar.
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (50g) grated, divided.

For a delicious Baked Chicken And Broccoli using fresh, high-quality ingredients, makes all the difference.

Seasoning Notes: That Extra Oomph

Okay, so the secret to a good cheesy bake is in the seasoning.

• Essential Spices: Thyme, salt, and pepper are your base. Don't skimp!
• Flavor Boosters: Garlic and a hint of nutmeg really elevate the cheese sauce. Honestly, it's a game changer!
• Quick Subs: No thyme? Try oregano or marjoram. Feeling brave? A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick to the Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Bake .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

Listen, you don't need a fancy kitchen to make this Easy Chicken Bake Recipe .

• Essential Tools: Large skillet or Dutch oven, 9x13 inch baking dish, whisk, cutting board, and knife.
• Household Hacks: Don't have a whisk? A fork will do in a pinch. No 9x13 dish? Any similar-sized oven-safe dish works!

This Comfort Food Chicken Broccoli bake is truly for everyone.

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Bake: Comfort Food Champion!

This Cheesy chicken broccoli bake Chicken recipe is like a warm hug from your Nan, but cheesier! Seriously, who doesn't love a good bake? I remember my first attempt.

Oh my gosh! The cheese was burnt to a crisp! But hey, we all start somewhere, right? Now I'm sharing my foolproof method for the perfect cheesy chicken and broccoli bake .

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first: let's get our act together. It's all about mise en place , folks – that's fancy French for "everything in its place.

" Chop 2 lbs of chicken into 1-inch cubes and roughly chop the 1 large head of broccoli into florets.

Dice 1 medium yellow onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Get those 4 tablespoons of butter ready, plus the flour, milk, and cheese.

I'm talking about shredding 2 cups of cheddar and ½ cup of Parmesan. Organization is key to a stress-free easy chicken bake recipe .

Step-by-Step to Baked Chicken With Broccoli Bliss

Ready to get baking? Here's the lowdown:

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Crucial first step!
2. Sauté your onions and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until softened. This takes about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken and broccoli. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned and the broccoli is tender-crisp. We're talking about 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
4. Make your cheese sauce. Melt the butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1- 2 minutes. It's a roux, a culinary essential.
5. Slowly whisk in 3 cups of milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened.
6. Stir in most of the cheese (save some for topping!) and season.
7. Combine everything in a 9x13 inch baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
8. Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until golden brown and bubbly.

Pro Tips for a Next-Level Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Honestly, I always grate my own cheese. Pre-shredded stuff doesn't melt as nicely. Also, don't overcook the broccoli. Nobody wants mush.

Wanna kick it up a notch? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy comfort food chicken broccoli ! Want to make it ahead? Assemble everything, but don't bake it.

Store in the fridge and bake when you're ready. The bake might need an extra 5- 10 minutes in the oven if it is cold.

Recipe Notes for the Perfect Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake

This section is all about making sure your Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake Chicken turns out absolutely smashing! It's like having a little cheat sheet, you know? Here's the lowdown on serving, storing, and even tweaking the recipe to your liking.

Making it Look the Business: Serving Suggestions

Okay, so you've got this glorious Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Bake . But how do you make it look amazing? First, let it rest for like, ten minutes after it comes out of the oven.

This stops it from being all runny.

Presentation-wise, a sprinkle of fresh parsley is proper lush. A dollop of sour cream never hurt anyone either. For sides, keep it simple! A crisp green salad cuts through the richness.

And to drink? A glass of crisp white wine, or even just a cuppa tea, will do the trick.

Keeping it Fresh: Storage Tips

Right, so you've made a huge Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole and have leftovers? No worries!

• Fridge: Let it cool completely, then bung it in an airtight container. It'll be good for three to four days in the fridge.
• Freezer: Fancy freezing it? Let it cool, then portion it out. It will stay good in the freezer for up to two months .
• Reheating: Microwave is your friend. Or, reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through, about fifteen to twenty minutes .

Mixing it Up: Variations

Want to put your own spin on this Chicken And Broccoli Recipe ? Easy peasy!

• Dietary: For a lower-carb version, swap some broccoli for cauliflower. Boom!
• Seasonal: In the autumn, add some roasted butternut squash chunks. It's lush, I tell ya! You could try Chicken Broccoli Bake with Cream of Mushroom .

Getting Down to Brass Tacks: Nutrition Basics

Let's be honest, we're not all nutritionists. But, here's the basic gist of this dish. One serving packs a good punch of protein.

You're getting your vitamins from the broccoli. It's not exactly a salad, but it's definitely not the worst thing you could eat.

It's all about balance, innit?

So, there you have it! Whether you're making a Baked Chicken With Broccoli for the first time or the hundredth, these notes should help you ace it.

Go on, give it a go and enjoy your Comfort Food Chicken Broccoli ! You can do this!