If you’re craving a comfort food classic that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this delightful Creamy Chicken Broccoli Bake with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious, cheesy sauce that’s just bursting with flavor. The crispy cracker topping adds a wonderful crunch, making every bite satisfyingly rich and texturally interesting. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish promises to bring joy to your table with its simple yet irresistible goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this bake is chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, making the dish both hearty and fresh. The combination of cheeses creates that gooey, golden top you’ll love, while the broccoli adds a vibrant pop of color and nutrition.
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped: Provides tender protein that’s easy to eat and blends perfectly with the sauce.
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets: Adds a healthy, slightly crisp texture and a lovely green hue.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings creamy, sharp flavor and helps create that signature cheesy bake feel.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty depth that complements the cheddar beautifully.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup: Acts as the creamy base that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess for richness.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the sauce so it’s smooth but not heavy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory note that elevates the whole dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances overall flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and brightening all the flavors.
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers: Creates a buttery, crisp topping that’s irresistible.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Bake with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish ensures the bake won’t stick and makes clean-up easier. Getting the oven hot upfront helps everything cook evenly and develop that golden crust you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
Steaming the broccoli until it’s bright green and tender-crisp keeps it fresh and vibrant in the bake. This also prevents the veggies from becoming mushy once baked, maintaining a satisfying texture throughout the dish.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients until smooth—this sauce is the heart of your bake, coating the chicken and broccoli in a luscious, flavorful blanket.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Broccoli
Gently fold the chopped, cooked chicken and steamed broccoli into your creamy sauce. This step ensures every bite has just the right balance of protein, veggies, and sauce to keep things exciting and delicious.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly so the bake cooks uniformly. This also sets the stage for the crowning glory: the cheese and cracker topping.
Step 6: Add Cheddar, Parmesan, and Cracker Topping
Sprinkle the cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the crushed Ritz crackers. This combination creates a golden, bubbly, and crunchy crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until you see the cheese melted into a bubbly blanket and the top turns a beautiful golden brown. This step melds all the flavors together and develops that irresistible crisp crust.
Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve
Allow the bake to sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps it set slightly, making it easier to serve, and lets the flavors deepen so every mouthful feels velvety and full-bodied.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Bake with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving for a burst of color and a subtle fresh herb flavor that cuts through the richness. A light drizzle of hot sauce can also add a welcome spicy kick if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or warm, buttery garlic bread that can scoop up every last bit of cheesy sauce. You might also want to serve it alongside a simple rice pilaf or mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins for a fancy presentation perfect for dinner guests. Or layer the dish in a clear casserole dish so the vibrant broccoli and cheese contrast is clearly visible, tempting everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more overnight, making it an excellent choice for next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This creamy chicken broccoli bake freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking or freeze the fully baked dish wrapped tightly. It will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave until warmed through or place the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly again, about 20 minutes. You may want to add a few extra crushed crackers on top before reheating to refresh that crunchy topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain the broccoli well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the bake soggy. Fresh broccoli does give a nicer texture, but frozen works fine in a pinch.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap the cheeses for dairy-free alternatives and use coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream substitute. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even some steamed cauliflower make great additions. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything stays tender.
What type of chicken works best for this bake?
Cooked, shredded or chopped chicken breast is ideal for a lean and tender result. You can use leftover roast chicken, rotisserie chicken, or poach your own for the freshest taste.
How can I make the topping extra crunchy?
Mix the crushed crackers with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling on top. This creates a richer, crunchier crust and adds extra golden color when baked.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Bake with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe quickly becomes a family favorite for a reason. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a special treat but comes together with everyday ingredients and ease. Give it a try and watch how it brings smiles to your dinner table and fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that invite everyone to gather and enjoy. You won’t regret making this cozy, cheesy casserole part of your regular meal rotation!
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Creamy Chicken Broccoli Bake with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and creamy Chicken Broccoli Bake combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a cheesy, savory sauce topped with a crispy cracker crust. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this hearty casserole makes an easy and delicious family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Steam Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender-crisp. This ensures they retain their color and texture inside the casserole.
- Make Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended to create a creamy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked and chopped chicken along with the steamed broccoli to the sauce mixture. Stir gently to evenly coat all pieces.
- Assemble: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, then cover with the crushed Ritz crackers to provide a crispy, golden crust after baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- For a healthier version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
- Chicken can be grilled or roasted instead of boiled for enhanced flavor.
- Fresh broccoli is preferred, but frozen broccoli can be used if steamed properly.
- To add extra flavor, consider mixing in chopped onions or mushrooms.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
