Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Chicken Broccoli Bake featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, creamy sauce, and a crispy cheesy cracker topping. This hearty casserole is perfect for a family dinner and combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
Cheese and Cream Sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings and Topping
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Steam Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender-crisp to retain a slight crunch and vibrant color.
- Make Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked, chopped chicken and steamed broccoli into the sauce mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the mixture. Then, evenly distribute the crushed Ritz crackers on top to form a crispy, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the top is golden brown, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for a few minutes to set slightly before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can cook the chicken by baking, grilling, or pan-searing beforehand, based on your preference.
- For a lower fat version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
- Steaming the broccoli helps maintain its nutrients and crisp texture.
- Substitute crushed crackers with breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes if preferred.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- To keep it gluten-free, ensure to use gluten-free crackers and soup substitutes.
