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Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake

Featured in: Cozy Weeknight Meals

This comforting casserole features tender chicken pieces and fresh broccoli florets combined in a creamy cheddar sauce, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. The dish is baked until bubbly and golden, offering a warm and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings. Simple preparation and familiar flavors make it a favorite for those seeking a hearty, cheesy main course.

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Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:55:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake, smelling savory, ready to be scooped onto plates. Save
Golden, bubbly Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake, smelling savory, ready to be scooped onto plates. | crumbnest.com

A comforting, cheesy casserole featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a golden cheddar topping—perfect for a cozy family dinner.

I first made this cheddar broccoli chicken bake for a chilly weekend gathering and it quickly became a family favorite. The combination of tender chicken, cheesy topping, and vibrant broccoli makes every bite comforting.

Ingredients

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 2 large (about 500 g), cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
  • Fresh broccoli florets: 2 cups (about 200 g)
  • Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 1 ¼ cups (140 g), divided
  • Sour cream: ¾ cup (180 ml)
  • Milk: ½ cup (120 ml)
  • Salt: ½ teaspoon
  • Ground black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
  • Bread crumbs (gluten-free or regular): ½ cup (30 g)
  • Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons, melted

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
Sauté Aromatics:
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon of butter until softened, about 3 minutes.
Cook Chicken:
Add chicken cubes and cook, stirring, until just opaque (not fully cooked), about 4 (4)5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Mix Sauce:
In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, 1 cup cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Combine Chicken and Broccoli:
Fold in broccoli florets and the partially cooked chicken mixture until evenly combined.
Assemble Casserole:
Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Prepare Topping:
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 30 (35 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Rest:
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
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| crumbnest.com

This dish is a go-to for weeknights when everyone is hungry and I need something hearty that comes together quickly. My kids ask for it by name, especially on colder evenings.

Required Tools

Baking dish, skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, cutting board, knife, measuring cups

Allergen Information

Contains milk ingredients (cheese, sour cream, butter). Contains wheat if using standard breadcrumbs. Always check product labels to avoid allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 430. Total Fat: 27 g. Carbohydrates: 13 g. Protein: 34 g.

A close-up of a steaming Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake, offering a tantalizing combination of textures. Save
A close-up of a steaming Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake, offering a tantalizing combination of textures. | crumbnest.com

Serve hot and enjoy as a cozy meal, whether for a family dinner or to share with friends. This bake is easy to make and sure to impress.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use frozen broccoli for this dish?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well when thawed and drained before mixing into the dish to avoid excess moisture.

→ What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute that adds a light tang while keeping the creamy texture.

→ How can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular ones to maintain the crunchy topping without gluten.

→ Is it possible to add extra flavor to the topping?

Adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix enhances the savory profile with subtle smokiness.

→ What wine pairs well with this dish?

A white wine such as Chardonnay complements the creamy cheddar and chicken flavors beautifully.

Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake

Tender chicken cubes combined with broccoli and melted cheddar for a cozy, comforting dinner.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
55 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

Proteins

01 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables

01 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
02 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

01 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
02 3/4 cup sour cream
03 1/2 cup milk
04 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Pantry

01 1/2 teaspoon salt
02 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
03 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
04 1 teaspoon dried thyme
05 1/2 cup gluten-free or regular breadcrumbs

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare oven and baking dish: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Phase 02

Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.

Phase 03

Cook chicken: Add chicken cubes to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until just opaque but not fully cooked, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Phase 04

Combine dairy and seasonings: In a large bowl, whisk sour cream, milk, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Phase 05

Incorporate vegetables and chicken: Gently fold broccoli florets and partially cooked chicken mixture into the dairy and seasoning mixture until evenly combined.

Phase 06

Assemble casserole: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Phase 07

Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Evenly sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese and breadcrumb mixture over the surface of the casserole.

Phase 08

Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbly.

Phase 09

Rest before serving: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Tools needed

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek medical guidance if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains milk (cheese, sour cream, butter)
  • Contains wheat if regular breadcrumbs are used; use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 430
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 34 g