Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake

Featured in: Hearty Comfort Dinners

This comforting dish blends tender chicken cubes with fresh broccoli florets and a rich mixture of sharp cheddar, sour cream, and herbs. Lightly sautéed onion and garlic add depth before everything is combined and topped with a buttery breadcrumb and cheddar crust. Baked until golden and bubbly, it offers a warm, hearty meal perfect for the family table. Optional smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky twist, while gluten-free breadcrumbs keep it adaptable to dietary needs.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 11:48:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly cheddar broccoli chicken bake, a comforting casserole with melted cheese and tender chicken. Save
Golden, bubbly cheddar broccoli chicken bake, a comforting casserole with melted cheese and tender chicken. | smokyfeast.com

A comforting, cheesy casserole featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a golden cheddar topping—perfect for a cozy family dinner.

This was one of the first casseroles I ever made for my family, and it quickly became a favorite. The combination of creamy cheese, savory chicken, and bright broccoli is always a hit at our dinner table.

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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
  • Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1 ¼ cups (140 g), 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
  • Bread Crumbs: ½ cup (30 g) gluten-free or regular
  • Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted

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Instructions

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Prep Oven and Dish:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
Cook 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 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Mix Sauce:
In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, 1 cup cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Combine Ingredients:
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 Casserole:
Bake uncovered for 30 35 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Rest and Serve:
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
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| smokyfeast.com

Sharing this meal brings my family together, especially on busy evenings. There's nothing like gathering around the table for warm, cheesy comfort food.

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Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or some steamed rice for a heartier plate.

Variations

Try swapping in cauliflower for the broccoli or adding a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the topping for extra flavor.

Nutritional Information

Each serving has approximately 430 calories, 27 g fat, 13 g carbohydrates, and 34 g protein.

A creamy, cheesy cheddar broccoli chicken bake, ready to serve with flavorful chicken and broccoli. Save
A creamy, cheesy cheddar broccoli chicken bake, ready to serve with flavorful chicken and broccoli. | smokyfeast.com
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Cook complete meals by sautéing, simmering sauces, boiling pasta, and steaming vegetables with reliable everyday cookware.
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Give this casserole a try whenever you need a comforting, fuss-free dinner. It's sure to become a new family favorite!

Kitchen Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen broccoli before mixing to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt works well as a lighter alternative, adding similar creaminess and tang.

How do I achieve a crispy topping?

Combine gluten-free or regular breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle atop the cheddar layer before baking.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain a gluten-free meal option.

What wine pairs well with this casserole?

A dry white wine like Chardonnay complements the cheesy and savory flavors nicely.

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Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake

A cheesy casserole with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a crispy cheddar topping, baked to golden perfection.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat time
35 min
Complete duration
55 min
Created by Jackson Reed


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels None specified

What You'll Need

Proteins

01 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables

01 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
02 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

01 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
02 3/4 cup sour cream
03 1/2 cup milk
04 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Pantry

01 1/2 teaspoon salt
02 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
03 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
04 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Topping

01 1/2 cup gluten-free or regular breadcrumbs

Method

Phase 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Phase 02

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter and sauté onion and garlic until softened, approximately 3 minutes.

Phase 03

Cook Chicken Partially: Add chicken cubes to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until opaque but not fully cooked, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Phase 04

Combine Dairy Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Phase 05

Incorporate Vegetables and Chicken: Fold broccoli florets and the partially cooked chicken into the dairy mixture, ensuring even distribution.

Phase 06

Assemble Casserole: Spread the combined mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Phase 07

Prepare and Apply Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.

Phase 08

Bake: Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Phase 09

Rest Before Serving: Allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving to set.

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Kitchen Tools

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains milk (cheddar cheese, sour cream, butter) and wheat if regular breadcrumbs are used. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to avoid gluten.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 430
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 34 g

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