If you’re looking for a cozy, no-fuss dinner that’s packed with flavor and easy to make, you just found it. This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Bake is what weeknight dinner dreams are made of—tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and gooey melted cheese, all baked in a creamy sauce with a golden, crispy top.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you forget about takeout and reach for seconds.
Best part? It uses real, fresh ingredients that you can find at any grocery store or farmers’ market across the U.S. No weird canned soups or mystery sauces here—just simple, wholesome, everyday ingredients that come together to create a meal everyone at the table will love.
Let’s get cooking!
Why This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Bake Stands Out
There are a million chicken and broccoli casseroles out there, but this one? This is the one you’ll keep coming back to.
- No Canned Soup. A homemade creamy sauce takes just minutes to make, and it’s 1000x better than anything from a can.
- Real Cheese, Not Processed. We’re using freshly shredded cheese, not the bagged stuff with weird powders.
- Crispy, Golden Topping. A buttery panko topping makes this bake extra satisfying.
- Made from Fresh Ingredients. No shortcuts—just real, simple food that actually tastes homemade.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Bake
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by grabbing a store-bought rotisserie chicken and shredding it.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Keeping it slightly crisp before baking ensures it doesn’t turn mushy.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- Add Some Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the sauce gives this dish an extra kick.
- Try a Different Cheese: Swap out cheddar for Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for a different flavor twist.
What to Serve with Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Bake
This bake is hearty on its own, but if you’re making it for guests or want a full spread, here are some easy side ideas:
- Garlic Bread – Because carbs and cheese just belong together.
- Simple Green Salad – Something light with a lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness.
- Roasted Carrots or Brussels Sprouts – A little extra veg never hurt anyone.
- Rice or Quinoa – Serve this bake over a scoop of fluffy rice for a super filling meal.
Leftovers? No Problem!
This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Want to freeze it? Yes, you can!
- Assemble everything up to the point of baking, but don’t add the breadcrumb topping yet.
- Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as directed.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Bake is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. It’s warm, comforting, and made with real ingredients—no shortcuts, no canned soups, just wholesome, homemade goodness.
Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight, a potluck, or just because cheesy casseroles are life, this recipe is a keeper.
Try it out tonight, and let me know how it turns out!
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Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Bake (Comfort Food at Its Best!)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dinner made with fresh ingredients—no canned soups, just real food. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a homemade creamy cheese sauce are topped with a golden, crunchy panko crust. Perfect for a weeknight meal or meal prep!
Ingredients
For the Bake:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your choice)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Homemade Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but adds depth)
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a warm, slightly smoky kick)
For the Crispy Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and drop in the chopped fresh broccoli for 1-2 minutes—just enough to brighten the color and slightly soften it.
- Immediately drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. This keeps it vibrant green and slightly crisp.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute (this gets rid of the raw flour taste).
- Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to keep things smooth.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan. Stir until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, broccoli, and creamy sauce until everything is well-coated.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 5: Make the Crispy Topping
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
- Sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer for that golden crunch.
Step 6: Bake!
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything set up perfectly.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy meal.
- Freshly shred your own cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- To freeze: Assemble without the topping, cover, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, add the topping, and bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6th of the dish)
- Calories: Approx. 430 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg (varies depending on cheese and broth used)
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
