cheesy chicken and broccoli recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best cheesy chicken and broccoli recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – cheesy chicken and broccoli! This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that everyone loves.

The story behind this recipe is that it originated from my mother-in-law, who used to make it for us when we first got married. She would serve it at family gatherings and holidays, and it was always a hit.

I’ve tweaked the recipe over the years to make it my own, but the essence remains the same. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a main course, side dish, or even as a fun twist on traditional comfort food.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we’re making this recipe. They get to learn about measurements, cooking techniques, and most importantly, they get to enjoy the fruits of their labor when we sit down to eat together as a family.

This recipe has become an integral part of our family traditions and memories. I hope you’ll give it a try and see why it’s such a beloved recipe in our household.

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake

4.7 from 790 votes

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich cheesy sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
3Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4Place broccoli florets in a steamer basket.
5Steam over boiling water for 5 minutes until broccoli turns bright green and is just tender.
6Remove from heat and set aside.
7In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
8Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
9Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
10Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk.
11Cook the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
12Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted.
13Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken in the baking dish.
14Arrange the steamed broccoli around the chicken.
15Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
16Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
17The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.
18Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
19This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to portion.
20Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Baking dish
Mixing bowl
Saucepan
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 13g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 6g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use frozen broccoli florets. Add 2-3 minutes to the steaming time.

This cheesy chicken and broccoli recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family dinner party or just need a comforting meal after a long day.

One of its best features is its ease of reheating – simply place leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

For serving ideas, try pairing this dish with some crusty bread or roasted vegetables for added texture variety.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake

Q1: What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

A1: For this recipe, I recommend using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for the perfect balance of flavors. Cheddar provides a sharp, tangy taste while mozzarella adds creaminess. You can adjust the ratio of cheddar to mozzarella based on your personal preference.

Q2: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

A2: Yes, you can definitely use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand! Just thaw it according to the package instructions before adding it to the skillet with the chicken and cheese.

Q3: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

A3: To keep the chicken moist, make sure not to overcook it. Cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), then let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Q4: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A4: While this recipe is best served fresh, you can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the dish just before cooking. However, be sure not to refrigerate or freeze the assembled casserole for too long as it may affect the texture of the cheese.

Q5: Is this recipe suitable for special diets?

A5: This cheesy chicken and broccoli recipe is relatively low in calories compared to other comfort foods. However, keep in mind that adding extra cheese may increase calorie count significantly.

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