Chicken Broccoli Bake with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Ritz Crackers Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy dinner that brings a wonderful harmony of flavors and textures to your table, the Chicken Broccoli Bake with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Ritz Crackers Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, creamy cheese, and that irresistible buttery crunch of Ritz crackers for a baked casserole that feels both homemade and incredibly satisfying. Its ease and rich flavor make it a beloved classic to have in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and comforting textures. Each ingredient plays a key role: from the hearty protein of chicken to the fresh crunch of broccoli, and the irresistible pair of cheeses topped with buttery crackers for that perfect finish.

• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cooked and chopped for tender, savory bites in every forkful.
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets: Adds a vibrant green color and a healthy crunch that balances the richness.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Provides melty, sharp creaminess that is utterly comforting.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and depth to the cheesy topping.
• 1 can cream of chicken soup: Creates the creamy, cohesive base that binds ingredients deliciously.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings tang and richness for a luscious sauce.
• 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the mixture and ensures a smooth texture.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses warm, savory notes throughout the bake.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances the overall flavors beautifully.
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers: The crowning glory that gives a buttery, golden crunch on top.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Bake with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Ritz Crackers Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Chop the Chicken

Start by cooking your chicken breasts until tender and fully cooked through. Once cool enough to handle, chop them into bite-sized pieces so they can mix well with the other ingredients and distribute evenly throughout the bake.

Step 2: Steam the Broccoli

Steam the fresh broccoli florets just until they are tender-crisp. This keeps their vibrant color and a little bit of crunch, which adds a fantastic texture contrast in the final dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Greasing helps the bake come out smoothly and keeps the bottoms from sticking, ensuring a clean presentation when serving.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. This mixture creates the creamy base that ties all the ingredients together perfectly.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce mixture. These spices lift the flavor of the dish, giving it just the right amount of savory warmth without overpowering the other elements.

Step 6: Assemble the Layers

Start layering your steamed broccoli and chopped chicken directly in the prepared baking dish. This base sets up the hearty foundation of the casserole.

Step 7: Add the Sauce

Pour the rich sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli layers, ensuring every piece is coated with the creamy goodness.

Step 8: Sprinkle the Cheeses

Top the dish with shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses for a melty and golden cheesy layer that brings irresistible flavor and gooey texture.

Step 9: Add the Ritz Cracker Crunch

Crush the Ritz crackers and sprinkle them evenly over the cheese topping. This step is what gives the bake its signature crunch and a buttery finish that makes every bite extra special.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbling hot. This baking time allows the flavors to meld perfectly and achieves that delightful crispy crust.

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Bake with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Ritz Crackers Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions brighten up the presentation and add a fresh pop of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the bake. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese over the top right before serving can amp up the cheesy goodness even more.

Side Dishes

This hearty bake pairs beautifully with simple side salads, like a crisp Caesar or mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette, to balance out the richness. Garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls are perfect to soak up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish in individual ramekins for personalized portions, which makes it feel a little more festive and special. You can also layer it in a pretty casserole dish and bring it straight to the table for a cozy family-style meal everyone will love digging into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen, making the next-day lunch just as delightful as dinner.

Freezing

This bake freezes very well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking for convenient future meals. You can keep it frozen for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through to restore that crunchy topping, or use the microwave for a quicker option, though the texture on top won’t be quite as crisp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to avoid sogginess in the bake.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra broccoli or other veggies like cauliflower or mushrooms. You might also swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or a similar vegetarian alternative.

Can I substitute other crackers for Ritz?

You can! While Ritz crackers add buttery crispiness, crushed saltines or even gluten-free crackers make suitable options if needed.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s very mild and kid-friendly since there are no spicy ingredients. You can easily add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes if you prefer a little kick.

What can I do if I don’t have sour cream?

Plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche are great substitutes that provide the same tang and creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Broccoli Bake with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Ritz Crackers Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple yet indulgent, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Once you try it, I bet it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes to share with family and friends. So go ahead, bring these flavors together and enjoy every cheesy, crunchy, comforting bite!

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