Chicken Broccoli Bake a comforting and easy-to-make dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce. Topped with a crispy, buttery cracker crust, this baked casserole is perfect for a cozy dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how simple yet satisfying this dish is. The creamy, cheesy sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli. The crunchy Ritz cracker topping adds the perfect contrast to the soft filling. It’s a fantastic meal for busy weeknights and also makes a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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
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
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (for topping)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Add the cooked, chopped chicken and steamed broccoli to the mixture, stirring to combine.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Evenly distribute the crushed Ritz crackers over the cheese layer.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings
Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
Variations
Add Rice: Stir in cooked rice before baking for a heartier meal.
Use a Different Cheese: Swap out cheddar for mozzarella, Swiss, or Gouda for a new flavor profile.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne for some heat.
Make It Low-Carb: Substitute the Ritz cracker topping with crushed pork rinds or omit it altogether.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with cooked chickpeas or extra broccoli.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
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FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, but I recommend thawing and draining it first to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole watery.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
A homemade mixture of butter, flour, chicken broth, and cream can replace the canned soup for a fresher taste.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas would all be great additions.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cream soup and substitute the Ritz crackers with a gluten-free crunchy topping like crushed gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.
Conclusion
This Chicken Broccoli Bake is a simple, delicious, and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare. With its creamy, cheesy goodness and crunchy topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a guaranteed hit!
📖 Recipe:
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Chicken Broccoli Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
A Chicken Broccoli Bake is a comforting and easy casserole featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Topped with a crispy Ritz cracker crust, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings.
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
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
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Steam Broccoli: Cook broccoli florets until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli.
- Assemble: Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese, then top with crushed Ritz crackers.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest & Serve: Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Make it Heartier: Add cooked rice before baking.
Cheese Variations: Try mozzarella, Swiss, or Gouda for a different taste.
Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for some heat.
Low-Carb Option: Use crushed pork rinds instead of crackers.
Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken for chickpeas or extra broccoli.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
