This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake is a warm and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and lots of gooey cheese. It’s perfect for a family meal!
Who doesn’t love cheese? I usually double the cheese because, let’s face it, more cheese is always better! I love serving it with crusty bread for scooping. Yum!
It’s so easy to whip up—just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and wait for that cheesy goodness to bubble. It makes dinner a total breeze!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great, but if you’re short on time, pre-cooked chicken or even rotisserie chicken can save the day! Just shred or chop it before adding to the dish.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add a nice texture and flavor. If you don’t have fresh, frozen broccoli works just as well—just make sure it’s thawed and drained before using.
Rice: Uncooked white rice is the classic choice here, but you can swap it for brown rice or even quinoa for a twist. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, especially with brown rice.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. If you want something milder, go for medium cheddar or even mozzarella. You can mix different cheeses too for a creamier texture!
Cream of Chicken Soup: This ingredient adds creaminess, but feel free to skip it if you want a lighter version. You can also use a homemade cream sauce or a can of condensed mushroom soup for a different flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but there are a couple of key things to keep in mind. First, seasoning the chicken well before cooking can really enhance its flavor. I recommend a simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken; this will help to sear it and lock in juices.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side depending on thickness. If you’re unsure if it’s done, use a meat thermometer (165°F or 74°C is the safe temp!).
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken remains juicy and tender in the final bake.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bake:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream of chicken soup (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy cheesy chicken broccoli bake will take about 15 minutes to prep and about 45-55 minutes to cook. With a total time of around an hour, you’ll have a warm and comforting dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be hot and ready when your dish is assembled.
2. Cook the Rice:
In a medium saucepan, combine the uncooked white rice and chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil, then turn the heat down low. Cover it with a lid and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
3. Cook the Chicken:
While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden color. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli florets (fresh or frozen), the cream of chicken soup (if you’re using it for extra creaminess), and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
5. Assemble the Bake:
Take a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the rice and broccoli mixture evenly across the bottom. Next, place the cooked chicken breasts right on top of the mixture.
6. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken, creating a lovely cheesy layer on top.
7. Bake It Up:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese feels bubbly and has turned a lovely golden color.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done baking, take the dish out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This gives everything a little time to settle. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your cheesy chicken broccoli bake!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen broccoli, there’s no need to thaw it beforehand. Just add it directly to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients. It will cook perfectly while baking in the oven.
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Chicken Soup?
No worries! You can substitute with a homemade mixture of 1/2 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with 1 tablespoon of chicken broth or milk for creaminess. Alternatively, simply skip it; the dish will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it! Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. Just make sure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Adjust the cooking time slightly if necessary based on the vegetables you choose!
