Chicken Broccoli Bake

This Chicken Broccoli Bake is a delicious way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. With its creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken, it’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This dish combines simplicity and flavor, making it an ideal choice for weeknight meals or special occasions alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: The creamy texture and cheesy goodness make this dish a crowd-pleaser everyone will love.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with broccoli and lean chicken, this dish is both nutritious and filling, perfect for a low-carb lifestyle.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a standalone dish or serve it alongside your favorite sides.
• Leftover Friendly: This Chicken Broccoli Bake keeps well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are the essentials you’ll need to prepare your Chicken Broccoli Bake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish (9 x 9)
• Large saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A good baking dish ensures even cooking and browning, giving you the best results.
• Large saucepan: This is essential for steaming your broccoli quickly and effectively.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without spilling.

Ingredients

This creamy, cheesy, low carb Chicken Broccoli Bake is an easy way to get a healthy, keto meal on the table. Use shredded rotisserie in this gluten-free cheddar chicken broccoli casserole to make it even easier!

For the Bake

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 1/4 cup grated cheese (for topping)

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9 x 9 casserole dish with avocado spray and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

Put a large saucepan over medium-high heat with about 2 inches of water. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets. Steam for about 2 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Drain the water, then return the broccoli to the saucepan and set aside.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with mayonnaise. Stir in garlic powder, sea salt, and pepper. Add grated cheddar followed by chopped cooked chicken. Finally, add steamed broccoli and mix everything until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with an additional 1/4 cup of grated cheese for extra flavor.

Step 5: Bake

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then set your oven to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

Allow to cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy this delightful Chicken Broccoli Bake!

Step 7: Store Leftovers

Leftovers can be kept covered in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat as needed for a quick meal!

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Bake

Chicken Broccoli Bake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to enhance your meal experience.

Family Style

• Serve the Chicken Broccoli Bake directly from the casserole dish for a cozy family dinner. This makes serving easy and keeps the dish warm.

Individual Portions

• For a more elegant presentation, scoop out individual portions onto plates. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color.

With a Side Salad

• Pairing the bake with a crisp side salad adds freshness to the meal. Use seasonal greens and a light vinaigrette for balance.

Over Cauliflower Rice

• Serve the Chicken Broccoli Bake over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It absorbs flavors well and complements the casserole perfectly.

As Leftovers

• Enjoy leftovers as a quick lunch or snack. Reheat in the oven or microwave and savor the cheesy goodness all over again.

How to Perfect Chicken Broccoli Bake

To elevate your Chicken Broccoli Bake, follow these simple tips for an even better dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and quality chicken make all the difference in flavor and texture.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the seasonings to suit your taste. More garlic powder or added spices can enhance flavor.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Mixing different cheeses, like mozzarella or gouda, can add unique flavors and creaminess to your bake.
• Ensure Proper Cooking of Broccoli: Steam just until tender; overcooked broccoli can become mushy in the bake.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes before serving helps it set, making it easier to scoop.
• Garnish Wisely: Top with fresh herbs or additional cheese before baking for an appealing finish.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Broccoli Bake

Complement your Chicken Broccoli Bake with these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal.

1. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: A creamy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, flavored with garlic for extra zest.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts seasoned with olive oil and sea salt make a savory accompaniment.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light, protein-packed salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers adds freshness and crunch.
4. Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans steamed until tender provide a vibrant color contrast on your plate.
5. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles offer a low-carb addition that soaks up flavors beautifully.
6. Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with assorted greens, nuts, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs well with the rich casserole.
7. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes baked until soft are nutritious and provide natural sweetness alongside the savory bake.
8. Cucumber Tomato Salad: This refreshing salad balances out the richness of the casserole with its crisp texture and bright flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Chicken Broccoli Bake turns out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Skipping the steaming step: Steaming the broccoli is essential for achieving the right texture. If you skip this step, the broccoli may remain too crunchy.
• Overmixing the ingredients: When combining the cream cheese and other ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense casserole.
• Using cold cream cheese: Always soften your cream cheese before mixing. Cold cream cheese can clump and not blend smoothly into the sauce.
• Not greasing the dish properly: Failing to grease your casserole dish can result in sticking. Use a non-stick spray or oil to prevent this issue.
• Neglecting to check baking time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bake. If it looks done before 15 minutes, take it out to prevent overcooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The Chicken Broccoli Bake stays fresh for up to three days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Broccoli Bake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to three months for best quality.

Reheating Chicken Broccoli Bake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chicken Broccoli Bake.

Can I use frozen broccoli for Chicken Broccoli Bake?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw and drain it before adding it to your mixture.

How can I customize my Chicken Broccoli Bake?

You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or replace cheddar with mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

Is this Chicken Broccoli Bake suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep as it stores well in the fridge and reheats nicely.

What side dishes go well with Chicken Broccoli Bake?

Consider serving it with a simple salad or steamed vegetables to complement the meal.

Final Thoughts

This creamy and cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake is not only easy to make but also versatile enough for customization. Whether you want to add extra veggies or try different cheeses, this dish adapts beautifully. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!