Easy Kid-Friendly Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Bake
Comforting and Simple Weeknight Meal with Zesty Citrus Option
This easy, cheesy broccoli chicken bake is the ultimate weeknight winner, requiring minimal prep for a hearty, satisfying dinner the whole family will love. It combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, flavorful sauce topped with a golden layer of cheese. This dish is a classic American-style casserole that delivers on comfort and simplicity.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 cups (480 ml) cooked chicken breast, cubed
1 (10 oz / 285 g) package frozen broccoli florets, thawed
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
1 tbsp (8 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (240 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
1 tsp (5 ml) dried onion powder
1/2 tsp (3 g) salt
1/4 tsp (1 g) black pepper
1 1/2 cups (180 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs, for topping
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce For a brighter flavor that contrasts with the rich cheese sauce, use WesMarMi Verde sauce as a light drizzle after baking. The fresh, citrus base of this sauce cuts through the creaminess, giving the dish a zesty lift. A light application of this sauce for cooking adds a dynamic layer of flavor that adults will appreciate.
Heat Level: 0 out of 10 🔥
Eleven Eleven Sauce’s Wes Mar Mi is a bright, citrus-forward hot sauce made without vinegar, using organic lime and lemon juice for a clean, tangy snap and zero heat. It’s intensely flavorful yet refreshingly light, perfect for finishing tacos, marinating chicken or fish, or waking up bowls and salads. Add a bottle to your cart for a fresh, natural kick that makes everyday meals taste lively.
1. Prepare the base: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) or similar sized baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the cubed cooked chicken and thawed broccoli florets. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
2. Make the cheese sauce: Melt the butter in a large white pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Finish the sauce: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup (120 g) of the shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Assemble the bake: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli mixture in the baking dish. Toss lightly to ensure all ingredients are coated. Top the casserole with the remaining 1/2 cup (60 g) of cheddar cheese and the panko breadcrumbs.
5. Bake and serve: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
Make it Creamier: For an even richer sauce, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream, or add 4 ounces (115 g) of softened cream cheese to the sauce in step 3.
Regional Swap (Italian): Swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella and Parmesan. Replace the onion powder with garlic powder and dried oregano. Serve over cooked pasta instead of as a standalone bake, creating a quick Italian-style pasticcio.
Rice or Pasta Base: To make this a heartier one-dish meal, stir 1 cup (185 g) of cooked white rice or small pasta (like elbow macaroni) into the chicken and broccoli mixture before pouring the sauce over.
Other Users Suggest
Replacing: Cooked chicken with canned tuna. New Measurement: 1 (5 oz / 142 g) can tuna, drained. Why: A budget-friendly swap that retains the protein content, creating a classic tuna casserole flavor.
Replacing: Panko topping with crushed crackers. New Measurement: 1/2 cup (50 g) crushed Ritz or butter crackers. Why: Provides a salty, buttery crunch that is very popular with children.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze
Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Freeze: Freeze the baked and cooled casserole (uncovered) until solid, then wrap tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until hot.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 430 Protein: 35g Carbs: 22g Fat: 22g
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