Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake
Indulge in this creamy and comforting Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake, a delightful one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce. Topped with savory chicken-flavored stuffing, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures that you can whip up a hearty meal in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Serve hot and watch everyone go back for seconds!
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken
1.5 lbs (Cubed)
Ragu double cheddar cheese sauce
1 lb (N/A)
Broccoli florets
1 lb (Thawed)
Stove Top stuffing mix
1 package (Chicken flavor)
Garlic powder
To taste (N/A)
Salt
To taste (N/A)
Pepper
To taste (N/A)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (Optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine olive oil (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper with the cubed chicken. Toss until evenly coated.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the seasoned chicken until it is browned on the outside and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess juices.
4
Add the Ragu double cheddar cheese sauce and thawed broccoli florets to the skillet with the chicken, mixing gently to combine.
5
Transfer the chicken and broccoli mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
6
Prepare the Stove Top stuffing mixture according to the package instructions on the stovetop.
7
Spread the cooked stuffing evenly over the chicken and broccoli mixture in the casserole dish.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the stuffing is golden brown.
9
Remove from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake?
It is a creamy and comforting one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce topped with stuffing.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 5 servings.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How much chicken is needed for this casserole?
The recipe calls for 1.5 pounds of cubed chicken.
What kind of cheese sauce should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 pound of Ragu double cheddar cheese sauce.
Do I need to thaw the broccoli first?
Yes, you should use 1 pound of thawed broccoli florets.
What flavor of stuffing is recommended?
A chicken-flavored Stove Top stuffing mix is recommended for this dish.
How long does the casserole bake in the oven?
The bake time is approximately 40 minutes.
What size casserole dish is required?
A greased 2-quart casserole dish is the recommended size.
How do I season the chicken?
Combine the cubed chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste before cooking.
Is olive oil necessary for the chicken?
The 1/4 cup of olive oil is optional for coating and seasoning the chicken.
How long should I cook the chicken in the skillet?
Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes until it is browned and cooked through.
Should the stuffing be cooked before putting it on the casserole?
Yes, prepare the stuffing mixture according to the package instructions on the stovetop before spreading it over the chicken.
How do I know when the bake is ready?
The casserole is done when it is bubbly and the stuffing top is golden brown.
Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?
Yes, you can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken and skip the skillet cooking step.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli, but you may want to lightly steam it first to ensure it is tender after baking.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its one-dish nature makes it ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
What is the first step in preparing the bake?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Should I drain the chicken juices?
Yes, drain any excess juices from the skillet after browning the chicken.
How long should the dish sit before serving?
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like peas or carrots to the chicken and broccoli mixture.
What if I do not have Ragu cheese sauce?
You can substitute it with another brand of cheddar cheese sauce or a homemade cheese sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you are ready to eat.
How should I store leftover casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a creamy and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I add more cheese to the topping?
Yes, sprinkling extra shredded cheddar cheese over the stuffing before baking is a popular variation.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients listed for this recipe.
What gives the stuffing its golden brown color?
Baking it in the oven for 40 minutes allows the prepared stuffing to crisp and turn golden.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, cubed turkey works as a great substitute for chicken in this bake.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, the instructions are easy to follow and the dish uses simple preparation methods.