Creamy Cheddar Chicken Broccoli Bake
Indulge in this comforting and creamy Cheddar Chicken Broccoli Bake, a beloved classic that has been passed down in my family for generations. This dish is perfect for busy nights and can be easily frozen for future meals, making it a great option for new moms or anyone looking to simplify dinner. The rich and savory flavors of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a smooth cheese sauce meld together beautifully, creating a hearty and satisfying one-dish meal. Serve it over fluffy rice or light couscous for a complete experience. Feel free to adjust the quantity of chicken or broccoli based on your personal preferences, and opt for low-fat cream of chicken soup if you're looking for a healthier twist.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 (Cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
broccoli florets
1.5 lbs (Steamed or boiled briefly)
cream of chicken soup
1 (10 ounce) can (Ready to use)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (Ready to use)
lemon juice
1 teaspoon (Fresh or bottled)
curry powder
2 teaspoons (For flavoring)
shredded cheddar cheese
1.25 cups (Divided into 1 cup and 1/4 cup)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the boneless, skinless chicken breasts using your preferred method: pan-frying, poaching, or broiling until fully cooked and tender.
2
Once cooked, allow the chicken to cool slightly, then cut it into bite-sized pieces that are approximately the same size as the broccoli florets.
3
Sprinkle the chicken pieces evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of pepper to enhance flavor.
4
In a separate pot, steam or boil the broccoli florets for just a few minutes until vibrant and slightly tender, then immediately run them under cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain their bright color.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder. Stir until well mixed and smooth.
6
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7
In a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, layer the ingredients in the following order: first, add the broccoli, followed by the cooked chicken pieces, then pour the soup mixture evenly over the top, and finally sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
8
Top the dish with the remaining cheddar cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
If you want to freeze the dish, skip the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the freezer.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Cheddar Chicken Broccoli Bake?
It is a comforting and creamy classic family recipe that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a smooth cheddar cheese sauce into a hearty one-dish meal.
What kind of chicken should be used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How should I cook the chicken before assembly?
You can cook the chicken using your preferred method, such as pan-frying, poaching, or broiling until fully cooked and tender.
What size should the chicken pieces be cut into?
Once cooked, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces that are approximately the same size as the broccoli florets.
How much broccoli is needed?
You will need 1.5 lbs of broccoli florets.
Do I need to cook the broccoli before baking?
Yes, steam or boil the broccoli florets for just a few minutes until vibrant and slightly tender before assembling the dish.
How do I keep the broccoli from overcooking?
Immediately run the broccoli under cold water after steaming or boiling to stop the cooking process and maintain its bright color.
What are the ingredients in the sauce mixture?
The sauce is a blend of cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder.
What size can of soup is required?
The recipe uses one 10-ounce can of cream of chicken soup.
Can I make a healthier version of the sauce?
Yes, you can opt for a low-fat cream of chicken soup for a healthier twist.
How much mayonnaise is used in the sauce?
The sauce requires 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
What kind of lemon juice can I use?
You can use either 1 teaspoon of fresh or bottled lemon juice.
What spice gives this dish its unique flavor?
The unique flavor comes from 2 teaspoons of curry powder added to the sauce mixture.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1.25 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
How is the cheese distributed in the dish?
One cup of cheese is sprinkled over the soup mixture layer, and the remaining 1/4 cup is sprinkled on top for a cheesy finish.
What size baking dish is required?
A greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish is used for this recipe.
In what order should I layer the ingredients?
Layer the ingredients in this order: broccoli first, then chicken pieces, then the soup mixture, and finally the shredded cheddar cheese.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the dish for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can this recipe be frozen for later use?
Yes, this dish is an excellent freezer meal. Simply skip the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the freezer.
What should I serve with the Creamy Cheddar Chicken Broccoli Bake?
It is delicious when served over fluffy rice or light couscous for a complete meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, because it can be easily frozen and is simple to assemble, it is ideal for busy nights or meal prepping.
How much pepper is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of pepper to season the chicken pieces.
Can I adjust the amounts of chicken and broccoli?
Yes, feel free to adjust the quantities of chicken or broccoli based on your personal preferences.
Is this a good recipe for new parents?
Yes, its ease of preparation and freezer-friendly nature make it a great option for new moms or parents.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as a one-dish meal, chicken, broccoli, cheddar cheese, curry, and comfort food.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the soup, mayo, lemon juice, and curry powder, stirring until the mixture is well mixed and smooth.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, the instructions specify using a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
What is the final step before putting the dish in the oven?
The final step is to top the dish with the remaining cheddar cheese for a cheesy finish.