Description
This comforting Chicken Broccoli Bake is a creamy, cheesy casserole featuring tender chicken pieces, fresh broccoli florets, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. Perfect as a hearty family dinner, this dish combines the richness of cream of chicken soup with savory cheeses and aromatic spices, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Vegetables
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 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
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the chicken breasts thoroughly, then chop them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the casserole.
- Steam the Broccoli: Steam the fresh broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp to retain their vibrant color and slight crunch.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk to create a creamy base for the bake.
- Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce mixture, then stir until well blended.
- Assemble the Bake: Layer the steamed broccoli and chopped chicken evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the Sauce: Evenly pour the creamy sauce mixture over the broccoli and chicken, ensuring it covers all ingredients.
- Add the Cheeses: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top to create a rich, cheesy layer.
- Add the Crunchy Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers finely and sprinkle them evenly over the cheese layer for added texture and crispiness.
- Bake the Dish: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, signaling the bake is fully cooked.
Notes
- Cooking the chicken beforehand ensures it is fully cooked and prevents overcooking during baking.
- Steaming broccoli before baking helps maintain its texture and nutrients.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheeses.
- Can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking, just increase baking time slightly if chilled.
- Substitute Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs for a different crunch profile.
