Save A comforting, cheesy casserole featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a golden cheddar topping—perfect for a cozy family dinner.
The first time I made this for my family, everyone went back for seconds. My kids especially loved the crispy cheddar topping, and it quickly became our go-to dinner on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 2 large boneless, skinless (about 500 g), cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- Broccoli florets: 2 cups (about 200 g) fresh
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 ¼ cups (140 g), shredded, 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
- Breadcrumbs: ½ cup (30 g) gluten-free or regular
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Dish:
- 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, 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Mix Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, 1 cup cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Combine:
- Fold in broccoli florets and the partially cooked chicken mixture until evenly combined.
- Fill Dish:
- 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 and Serve:
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Save This bake is always a hit at our family gatherings. My sister now requests it every time she visits!
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad or serve over rice for an extra-hearty meal.
Make It Lighter
Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese to lighten things up.
Wine Pairings
A glass of Chardonnay or other dry white wine complements the flavors of this casserole beautifully.
Save This Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake is pure comfort in every bite. Serve warm and enjoy!
Kitchen Help
- → Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, thaw and drain frozen broccoli before folding it into the mixture to avoid excess moisture.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the topping crispy without gluten.
- → What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt works well as a lighter alternative, providing similar creaminess and tang.
- → How do I get a crispy golden topping?
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle with cheddar cheese before baking for a crunchy, golden crust.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this casserole can be prepared in advance and baked when ready, making it convenient for meal planning.