Easy Kid-Friendly Golden Garlic & Broccoli Chicken Bake
A Classic American-Style Casserole Recipe with a Zesty & Fresh Glow
What makes this the best broccoli chicken bake? The secret to this comforting weeknight winner is the smooth, homemade roux-based sauce and the "Dual-Layer" cheese technique combined with WesMarMi Verde. Unlike heavy, canned-soup versions, our method creates a creamy, flavorful sauce from scratch using fresh milk and chicken broth. By adding a light drizzle of our vinegar-free WesMarMi Verde after baking, you introduce a Zesty and Fresh snap (1/10 Heat) that cuts through the rich cheddar, giving this classic family dish a bright, sophisticated lift.
Heat Level: WesMarMi Verde | Mild (1/10) - Zesty & Fresh
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 26g
Carbs: 12g
Fat: 18g
Nutrition facts may be estimated based on standard ingredient databases.
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs (680 g) Chicken breast (frango), cut into 1-inch cubes
1 lb (450 g) Broccoli (brócolis) florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
1.5 cups (150 g) Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tbsp (30 ml) Extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves (20 g) Garlic, minced
1 tsp (5 g) Smoked paprika
1/2 tsp (2.5 g) Onion powder
1/2 tsp (2.5 g) Sea salt
1/4 tsp (1.2 g) Black pepper
1/4 cup (10 g) Fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp (30 ml) Eleven Eleven Sauce’s WesMarMi Verde Sauce
Ingredient Spotlight: Sharp Cheddar vs. Mild
Sharp cheddar is vital for this bake because its intense flavor stands up to the roasting process much better than mild varieties. As the cheese melts and browns, the "sharp" notes concentrate, providing a sophisticated tang that perfectly balances the earthy broccoli and savory garlic.
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce For a brighter flavor that contrasts with the rich cheese sauce, use WesMarMi Verde sauce with the olive oil and garlic before tossing with the chicken. This organic citrus-infused hot sauce features green peppers and a citrus base that brightens the entire dish. Using a handcrafted small-batch hot sauce provides a clean, zesty snap that makes the melted cheese feel lighter and more vibrant.
The Zesty and Fresh Citrus Finish
Heat Level: 1/10
Vinegar Content: 0%
Flavor Profile: Zesty, Fresh
Base: Organic Lime and Lemon
Calories: 5
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 25mg
Total Carbohydrates: 1g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 0g
Directions: WesMarMi Verde is intended as a bright, zesty enhancer rather than a source of heat. Shake well before pouring. Use this sauce as you would a fresh squeeze of lime—it is perfect for brightening up seafood, fresh salads, or traditional Mexican dishes. Because it is vinegar-free and fresh-pressed, the flavors are light; apply it directly to the dish just before serving to maximize the aromatic citrus notes. Keep refrigerated after opening to ensure the lime and lemon juices stay crisp and fresh.
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or rimmed sheet pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken (frango) cubes, broccoli (brócolis) florets, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and WesMarMi Verde sauce.
Toss everything together until the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated in the oil and spices.
Spread the mixture in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Pro-Tip: Ensure the chicken pieces are spread out; if they are too crowded, they will steam rather than brown, resulting in less flavor.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Return to the oven for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Pro-Tip: For a professional finish, turn on the broiler for the last 60 seconds to get those beautiful golden-brown "bubbles" on the cheese.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations:
Make it Extra Creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream with the raw chicken before baking. This creates a light "sauce" as it roasts, resulting in an even richer, more velvety texture.
Regional Swap (Italian-style): Replace the cheddar with shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan. Swap the smoked paprika for dried basil and oregano to transform this into a "Cheesy Garlic Herb" bake.
Perfect Broccoli Texture: If you prefer your broccoli very soft, microwave the florets for 2 minutes with a splash of water before tossing them with the chicken. If you like them charred and crisp, keep them raw and ensure they have plenty of room on the pan.
Adding Grains: This bake is excellent served over a bed of cooked quinoa or brown rice. The grains will soak up the garlic-butter juices and the spicy citrus notes of the Verde sauce.
Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for "batch cooking." Divide the finished bake into four containers for a high-protein, low-carb lunch that reheats beautifully in the microwave.
Other Users Suggest:
Replacing: Cheddar cheese.
New Measurement: 1.5 cups (150 g) Pepper Jack cheese.
Why: Pepper Jack adds an extra layer of spice and creaminess that amplifies the green pepper notes in the WesMarMi Verde hot sauce.
Replacing: Chicken breast.
New Measurement: 1 lb (450 g) Smoked sausage or Kielbasa.
Why: Pre-cooked sausage adds a smoky, salty depth that requires less seasoning and creates a very hearty, rustic version of the bake.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze:
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain the cheese texture, or microwave for 2 minutes.
Freeze: You can freeze this bake for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.
People Also Ask
How do I prevent the broccoli from getting too mushy in the oven? The key is to use thawed frozen broccoli or fresh florets that have been lightly blanched. Because the bake only takes 25 minutes, the broccoli will reach a perfect "crisp-tender" state. If using frozen, ensure it is fully drained and patted dry to prevent excess water from thinning out your creamy cheese sauce.
Can I use a rotisserie chicken for this recipe? Absolutely. Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great "pro-tip" for busy weeknights. Simply shred or cube the meat and fold it into the sauce. Since the chicken is already cooked, you only need to bake the dish until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden brown, which may even shave 5 minutes off your cook time.
Why does a citrus-based sauce work with a cheesy casserole? Heavy, cheese-based dishes can sometimes feel one-dimensional. WesMarMi Verde is 100% vinegar-free and built on a base of organic lime and lemon juice. This "Zesty & Fresh" profile acts as a palate cleanser, highlighting the sharp notes of the cheddar while adding a clean, tangy finish that prevents the meal from feeling too heavy.
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