Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake Comfort Food Champion
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake: Ready for Comfort?
Fancy some proper comfort food recipes ? Been a long day? I get it. Honestly, sometimes all I want is something warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
That's why I'm sharing my broccoli chicken bake recipe today. It's a winner, a family favorite. It’s the kind of thing that makes everyone smile.
This cheesy chicken broccoli bake combines creamy, delicious flavours with hearty chicken and good for-you broccoli.
What's the Story?
This chicken and broccoli casserole isn't some fancy pants, Michelin star meal. It's a classic, easy weeknight dinner recipe . It's like your nan's cooking, but maybe with a tiny bit more flair.
It’s simple and quick to make. You can expect a prep time of around 20 minutes. The baking takes another 30- 35 minutes.
This recipe makes about 6 servings. Plenty for everyone around the table.
Why You'll Love This Easy Broccoli Chicken Bake
Okay, so why should you bother with this recipe? Well, broccoli is packed with vitamins. Also, it is a good source of fiber.
This creamy chicken broccoli casserole is perfect for those nights when you need something comforting without a fuss. What makes it special? The chicken broccoli bake with cheddar cheese , of course! Plus, it's super adaptable.
You can easily tweak it to your liking. It's a seriously easy family friendly casserole recipe .
Next, we'll look at the ingredients you'll need.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Right, so you wanna make the best broccoli chicken bake recipe ever? Ace! Here's what you need. I always say, quality in, quality out.
So, no scrimping on the cheese, yeah? I remember once using that cheap stuff and, oh my gosh, it was like rubber.
Never again!
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- Chicken: 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Get good quality chicken. Look for plump breasts with a pinkish hue. Avoid anything pale or greyish, yeah?
- Broccoli: 1 large (about 300g) head of broccoli. Fresh and green is the way to go. I honestly hate limp broccoli. So make sure is nice and firm.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) to cook the chicken.
- Butter: 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter for the cheesy sauce.
- Flour: 4 tbsp (32g) all-purpose flour, also for the sauce.
- Milk: 3 cups (720ml) whole milk.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar cheese. Go for mature cheddar if you want a proper cheesy taste. Reserve ½ cup for topping. You can shred your own chicken broccoli bake with cheddar cheese!
- Panko Breadcrumbs (Optional): ½ cup (50g) for topping. Makes it extra crispy!
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
Seasoning Notes: A Little Bit of Magic
Honestly, you can't go wrong with simple seasoning for this easy broccoli chicken bake . But here are a few things that make it better:
- Essential Spices: Salt and pepper, of course.
- Flavor Enhancers: A pinch of ground nutmeg in the cheese sauce. Seriously, it makes all the difference. It brings warmth.
- Quick Subs: Don't have nutmeg? A tiny bit of paprika works too!
Think of it this way: seasoning is the secret sauce to all comfort food recipes .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need loads of fancy kit for this cheesy chicken broccoli bake . Here's what's essential:
- Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish: For baking the casserole.
- Whisk: For making the sauce smooth.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine everything.
Don't have a whisk? A fork will do in a pinch. The goal is to create this yummy creamy chicken broccoli casserole ! This baked chicken and broccoli is ideal for weeknight dinner recipes .
Plus, it's one of those family friendly casserole recipes everyone loves.
Cooking Method: Baking Our Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Bake
Baking is the heart of our easy broccoli chicken bake recipe. It's what brings all those delish flavours together. Baking gives us that golden, bubbly perfection we all crave.
I remember the first time I baked a proper casserole. Oh my gosh, I felt like a domestic goddess! And this broccoli chicken bake is way easier.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
Right, let’s get sorted before we start. First, essential mise en place. Chop your broccoli into florets. Dice up your chicken.
Get all your cheese grated. Honestly, this is half the battle. Time saving tip? Chop the broccoli while the oven is heating.
Safety reminder? Always use a sharp knife and watch your fingers! Now you are ready to prepare your cheesy chicken broccoli bake .
step-by-step Baking Brilliance
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . No one likes a cold start, do they?
- Cook your chicken. Heat olive oil in a pan. Cook to an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) . Season with salt and pepper.
- Lightly steam or saute your broccoli for about 5 minutes , till tender crisp. Nobody wants mushy broccoli, right?
- Make your cheese sauce. Melt butter. Whisk in flour. Add milk slowly. Cook until thick and smooth.
- Stir in cheese, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. That nutmeg? Chef's kiss!
- Combine the chicken, broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce.
- Pour into your baking dish. Top with extra cheese. Breadcrumbs too, if you like.
- Bake for 20- 25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips: Baking Like a Boss
Want to take your broccoli chicken bake with cheddar cheese to the next level? Here are a few secrets. First, don’t overcook the broccoli! Crisp tender is the key .
Common mistake to avoid? Using pre-shredded cheese. It doesn't melt as well. Honestly, grate your own for a better melt.
make-ahead option? You can assemble the creamy chicken broccoli casserole ahead of time and bake it later. This is why is perfect comfort food recipes for weeknight dinner recipes .
This chicken and broccoli casserole is one of my favourite family friendly casserole recipes . I hope you enjoy this baked chicken and broccoli as much as I do.
Recipe Notes: Nailing That Broccoli Chicken Bake
Alright, love, so you're about to tuck into making this broccoli chicken bake recipe . Before you get your pinny on, let's have a chinwag about some bits and bobs that'll make the whole process smoother than a baby's bum.
Honestly, these tips are golden. I learned them after a few kitchen mishaps myself you live and learn, eh?
Serving It Up Proper
Plating and presentation ideas : Forget fancy Michelin star stuff. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool tang.
A sprinkle of paprika gives it a nice colour. Serve it straight from the baking dish it's comfort food recipes , not high cuisine.
Complementary sides or beverages : Crusty bread is a must for soaking up that cheesy sauce. A side salad cuts through the richness, and a pint of cold lager.
.. well, that's just British, innit? If you are aiming for some fancier weeknight dinner recipes , pair this easy broccoli chicken bake with a light salad and garlic bread.
Storing Like a Pro
Refrigeration guidelines : Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it's in an airtight container. You don’t want any funky fridge smells getting in there.
Freezing options (if applicable) : This cheesy chicken broccoli bake freezes a treat. Cool it completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers.
It'll keep for up to 2 months. This is perfect for batch cooking family friendly casserole recipes !
Reheating instructions : Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until piping hot.
Or, for a quicker fix, microwave it. Just be careful it doesn't dry out.
Mixing It Up
Dietary adaptations : Want a lighter version? Use low-fat cheese and milk. For gluten-free, swap the flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Easy peasy.
Seasonal ingredient swaps : In the autumn, chuck in some roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes with the broccoli. Adds a nice bit of sweetness and uses up those seasonal veggies.
Think of it like a leveled-up chicken and broccoli casserole !
The Good Stuff
Simplified nutrition information : Each serving clocks in at around 450 calories. Loads of protein (40g), thanks to the chicken.
Plus, you're getting your greens with the broccoli! Not too shabby for a creamy chicken broccoli casserole .
Key health benefits : Broccoli is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Chicken is lean protein. This chicken broccoli bake with cheddar cheese is proper fuel, without being too naughty.
It's all about balance, eh? This broccoli cheese bake is not just tasty but also a great way to sneak in some veggies.
Honestly, this baked chicken and broccoli is a winner. Don't be afraid to have a go and put your own stamp on it.
You know, change things up and make it totally yours! Get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this broccoli chicken bake recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire broccoli chicken bake recipe up to the baking stage, cover it tightly with cling film, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply remove the cling film, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats, and then bake as directed.
This is great for getting ahead when you're having a busy week or entertaining guests. Just remember baking time might need to be increased by a few minutes.
What's the best way to store leftovers of this broccoli chicken bake?
Leftovers of the broccoli chicken bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the bake has cooled down completely before refrigerating. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during refrigeration.
I'm trying to be a bit healthier, any tips to lighten up this broccoli chicken bake recipe?
You bet! To lighten up this broccoli chicken bake recipe, you can use skimmed milk instead of whole milk for the cheese sauce, reducing the fat content. You could also use less cheese overall, or opt for a lower fat cheese variety.
Using Greek yogurt in the sauce (mixed with a little milk) adds creaminess with less fat. Finally, increasing the amount of broccoli will up the fiber and nutrients, while keeping the bake filling.
Can I freeze this broccoli chicken bake?
Yes, you can freeze this broccoli chicken bake, but the texture might change slightly after thawing, particularly the sauce. To freeze, let the bake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in cling film followed by foil, or transfer it to a freezer safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly in the oven. You might need to add a little extra milk or cream when reheating to restore the sauce's creamy consistency.
My kids are fussy eaters, any ideas for variations to make them love this cheesy broccoli chicken bake recipe?
Ah, kids, bless 'em! Try cutting the chicken into smaller, more manageable pieces. Mixing in some cooked pasta (like small shells or macaroni) can make it more appealing too. Another trick is to add a layer of crushed potato chips or cornflakes on top instead of breadcrumbs for a bit of a crunch that kids love.
For an extra cheesy hit, use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.
Is there a quick version of this broccoli chicken bake recipe?
If you're short on time, you can definitely speed things up! Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save on cooking time. Frozen broccoli florets are also a great time saver, just steam them according to package directions.
You can even use a pre-made cheese sauce from the supermarket, although making your own from scratch tastes much better. Remember to add salt and pepper to your taste!
Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Bake Comfort Food Ch
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
