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Looking for a comforting, cheesy, and easy-to-make dish? This Chicken Broccoli Bake is the perfect solution for a cozy family dinner. Packed with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in no time!
I first discovered this Chicken Broccoli Bake on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick yet hearty. The combination of creamy cheese and fresh broccoli reminded me of my mom’s home cooking—simple, warm, and always satisfying. Now, it’s a staple in my meal rotation!
Get ready to cook up a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy. Let’s dive into this cheesy, comforting Chicken Broccoli Bake!
What to Expect
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×9 casserole dish. Steam the broccoli until fork-tender to ensure it’s perfectly cooked in the bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli florets | 4 cups |
| Cream cheese, softened | 1/2 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 2 tbsp |
| Grated cheddar | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Sea salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Chopped, cooked chicken | 1 1/2 cups |
| Grated cheese (for topping) | 1/4 cup |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Heat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×9 casserole dish.
- Steam 4 cups of broccoli florets in a saucepan with 2 inches of boiling water for 2 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in grated cheddar and chopped chicken.
- Fold in the steamed broccoli until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish and top with the remaining 1/4 cup of grated cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For extra creaminess, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. Leftovers stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days—just reheat and enjoy!
Love easy dinners? Try this Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Chicken And Veggies next!
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Chicken Broccoli Bake
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Broccoli Bake is the ultimate healthy comfort food. It features tender chunks of chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and gluten-free pasta, all tossed in a homemade creamy garlic sauce—no heavy canned soups involved! Baked until bubbly and golden with a sprinkle of cheese, it’s a family-friendly dinner that feels indulgent but is packed with protein and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
— The Pasta & Mix-ins —
12 oz (340g) gluten-free penne or fusilli pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese or mozzarella (for topping)
— The Healthy Cream Sauce —
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil)
2 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook Pasta & Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gluten-free pasta and cook for 3 minutes less than the package instructions (it will finish cooking in the oven). In the last 2 minutes of boiling, toss in the broccoli florets. Drain everything well and return to the pot.
3. Make the Roux: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Whisk in the gluten-free flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Create Sauce: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Season: Remove sauce from heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
6. Combine: Pour the creamy sauce over the drained pasta, broccoli, and cooked chicken in the large pot. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
7. Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
8. Serve: Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving (this helps the sauce set). ideal with a side salad.
Notes
Pasta Tip: Gluten-free pasta can get mushy if overcooked. Undercooking it before baking is the secret to a perfect al dente texture.
Protein Boost: This uses lean chicken breast, but you can also use leftover turkey or even canned chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter, unsweetened almond milk, and a dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture will still be creamy thanks to the flour-thickened sauce.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 65
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use frozen broccoli?
- Yes! Thaw and drain it well before mixing.
- What cheese works best?
- Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack also melt beautifully.
Can I prep this ahead?
Absolutely—assemble the dish, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Dig In & Enjoy!
This Chicken Broccoli Bake is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck dish, it’s sure to impress. For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.