Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Chicken Broccoli Bake, combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a crunchy cracker crust and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Canned Goods
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the chicken breasts thoroughly, then chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy layering in the casserole.
- Steam the Broccoli: Steam the fresh broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, maintaining their bright green color and slight crunch.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk to form a creamy base for the casserole.
- Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce mixture, then stir until fully incorporated to enhance the flavor.
- Assemble the Bake: Layer the steamed broccoli and chopped chicken evenly in the greased baking dish to ensure balanced distribution.
- Pour the Sauce: Evenly pour the prepared sauce mixture over the broccoli and chicken layers, coating the ingredients well.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the sauce-covered layers to add richness and flavor.
- Add the Crunchy Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers and sprinkle them evenly over the cheese layer to create a crispy, golden crust during baking.
- Bake the Dish: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating it is fully cooked and ready to serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or mushrooms to the chicken before assembling the casserole.
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli depending on availability—if using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture before steaming.
- Substitute Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs for a different texture on top.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
