Name: Chicken Broccoli Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded; 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, blanched if fresh); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking chicken); 1/2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping)

I’ve always had a soft spot for comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. That’s exactly why this Chicken Broccoli Bake has earned a top spot in my weeknight dinner rotation. It’s creamy, cheesy, hearty, and manages to sneak in a healthy dose of greens without feeling like a “health food” compromise. Every bite is layered with flavor—tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich, golden cheese topping that bubbles up to perfection.

I love how effortlessly it comes together, especially on days when I don’t feel like standing over the stove. It’s a one-dish wonder that lets the oven do most of the heavy lifting. Whether I’m serving it to family or reheating it the next day, it’s one of those dishes that gets devoured without a second thought.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Bake

This bake hits the sweet spot between cozy and nourishing. It’s easy to prep ahead, customizable to fit what’s in your fridge, and loaded with texture and flavor. You get juicy bites of chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and that gooey, cheesy goodness that makes casseroles so irresistible. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to feed a crowd or meal prep for a few days—one pan, many meals.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this bake because they cook quickly and stay tender in the oven. But chicken thighs work just as well if you want a bit more richness and moisture. You can dice the chicken into bite-sized chunks before baking or use pre-cooked shredded chicken if you’re short on time. Leftover rotisserie chicken? Absolutely perfect for this dish.

Options for Substitutions

What I love about this Chicken Broccoli Bake is how adaptable it is. Don’t have broccoli? Swap in cauliflower or green beans. Out of cheddar? Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp provolone for a deeper flavor. You can use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken if that’s what’s in your pantry. For a lighter version, consider Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, or use a plant-based cheese and non-dairy milk to make it dairy-free.

Ingredients for This Chicken Broccoli Bake

Chicken
The protein star of this bake. I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for their versatility and tenderness.

Broccoli
Fresh or frozen florets add a vibrant crunch and balance the richness of the cheese and sauce.

Cheddar Cheese
Melts beautifully and adds a sharp, savory bite that brings the whole dish together.

Cream of Chicken Soup
Acts as the creamy base—rich, comforting, and helps bind all the ingredients.

Sour Cream
Adds tang and smooth texture to the sauce, making it extra luscious.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder
Essential for infusing depth and flavor without chopping or sautéing.

Salt & Black Pepper
A simple seasoning combo that enhances every bite.

Olive Oil or Butter
Used to lightly sauté or coat the chicken for extra moisture and flavor.

Optional: Bread Crumbs or Crushed Crackers
Sprinkled on top for added crunch if you want a bit of texture contrast.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using fresh broccoli, blanch it quickly in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil or a knob of butter. Sauté the chicken until it’s just cooked through—about 5–6 minutes. It doesn’t need to be browned, just no longer pink.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and the rest of the seasoning. Fold in about half of the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

In a greased baking dish, layer the cooked chicken and blanched broccoli. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top, making sure it coats everything well. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Add bread crumbs or crushed crackers if you’re using them.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How Long to Cook the Chicken Broccoli Bake

This dish bakes beautifully in about 25 to 30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). You’re really just looking for that bubbling, golden top and a hot center. If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, you could shave off a few minutes. Just be sure everything is heated through and the cheese is fully melted.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Broccoli Bake

Blanch the Broccoli: Especially if using fresh, a quick blanch helps it cook evenly and retain its vibrant green color without turning mushy.
Pre-cook the Chicken: Lightly sautéing the chicken ensures it’s flavorful and fully cooked without relying on the bake time alone.
Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: Spread everything evenly in the baking dish so the sauce can bubble up around all the ingredients.
Cover If Needed: If the top is browning too fast, loosely cover with foil during baking and remove for the last few minutes.
Add a Crunchy Topping: A sprinkle of crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or even fried onions adds a nice texture contrast to the creamy base.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using Raw Broccoli Without Blanching: It may stay too firm or cook unevenly. Blanch or lightly steam before adding to the bake.
Skipping the Chicken Prep: Adding raw chicken directly can make the dish watery and bland. Sauté it first for better texture and flavor.
Overbaking: Going too long in the oven can dry out the chicken and make the broccoli mushy. Stick to 25–30 minutes.
Not Seasoning Enough: The cream sauce needs seasoning to avoid blandness. Taste and adjust before assembling.
Overloading the Dish: Too many ingredients can lead to a soggy, overcrowded bake. Keep it balanced.

What to Serve With Chicken Broccoli Bake?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up all that cheesy sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp, fresh salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.

Steamed Rice

A fluffy base that complements the creamy sauce and turns the bake into a full meal.

Mashed Potatoes

Comfort food pairing at its finest—creamy meets creamy.

Buttered Noodles

Plain egg noodles or pasta tossed in a little butter make a great side.

Roasted Cauliflower

For a double veggie dose, this adds more crunch and a roasted note.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

A cool, acidic side that contrasts nicely with the warm, cheesy bake.

Storage Instructions

This Chicken Broccoli Bake stores like a dream. Let it cool completely before transferring leftovers into an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can pop it in the microwave or cover and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

For longer storage, this bake is freezer-friendly. Assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish (but don’t bake it yet), then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: ~410
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: ~620mg

Nutritional values will vary based on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to cook the chicken beforehand?

Sautéing the chicken in a skillet with a bit of olive oil until just cooked through is quick and flavorful. You can also use leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the bake. No need to blanch if already cooked.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and store covered in the fridge. Bake when ready to serve.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and skip the breadcrumb topping or use a gluten-free alternative.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

A homemade white sauce (butter, flour, milk, and broth) works great. Or use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a twist.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven or microwave straight from the freezer.

Will this work with other vegetables?

Definitely. Try green beans, cauliflower, peas, or a mix of whatever you have on hand.

Is it possible to make it lighter?

You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, use reduced-fat cheese, and opt for light soup to reduce calories and fat.

Conclusion

Chicken Broccoli Bake is everything I crave in a comforting weeknight dinner—easy, wholesome, and full of satisfying flavor. It’s endlessly adaptable, making it just as perfect for picky eaters as it is for creative cooks. Whether you’re prepping it ahead for a busy week or serving it up fresh from the oven, this dish never fails to deliver warmth and comfort in every bite.