Go Back

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake

A hearty dish featuring chicken and broccoli in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs), sliced into bite-size strips
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, vibrant and crisp
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce) for creaminess
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour for thickening
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed for a velvety base
  • ½ cup heavy cream for a luscious texture
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for zesty flavor
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese for melting
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for depth
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for a hint of tang
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg to enhance warmth
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs for crunch
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping) for golden perfection

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken dry, slice into strips, and season with salt, pepper, and half of the Dijon mustard.
  2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken strips for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
  2. In the same skillet, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add warmed milk and cream, whisking until thickened. Stir in remaining Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, then fold in cheeses until melted.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer the chicken and broccoli, pouring the cheese sauce over the top.
  2. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and optional grated Parmesan, then sprinkle over the dish.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For creaminess, add more heavy cream. Consider sautéed garlic or shallots for flavor. Substitute chicken with cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience. Experiment with different cheese combinations or substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.