Name: Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed; 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 cups milk; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping); 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for breadcrumbs)

This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake is a hearty, protein-packed dish combining tender chicken, nutrient-rich broccoli, and gooey cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it’s a balanced and satisfying meal with rich flavors. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or cheese blends for a personal twist.

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop broccoli and cook chicken in advance to save time.
Use Fresh Cheese: Grating cheese from a block melts smoother and adds better flavor than pre-shredded options.
Season Generously: Add garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to boost flavor.
Steam Broccoli Slightly: To prevent overcooking, steam broccoli until just tender before adding it to the bake.
Make It Creamier: Add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce for extra richness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for families or entertaining guests. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknights when time is tight. With its blend of cheesy goodness and healthy veggies, it strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and nourishment. You’ll appreciate its versatility—swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or tailor it to your taste preferences. It’s also a meal-prepper’s dream, reheating beautifully for lunches or dinners later in the week.

Yield: Serves 6

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake

A comforting, protein-packed Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake that’s easy, customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
3 cups broccoli florets, steamed
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for breadcrumbs)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.
Cook the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw taste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce. Cook until thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and half of the shredded cheeses. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir until evenly coated.
Assemble the Dish: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. If using breadcrumbs, toss them with olive oil and sprinkle over the cheese layer.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Serve: Let the bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side salad or crusty bread!

Notes

Double the recipe for larger families or meal prep.
Adjust seasonings to your taste for a personalized touch.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 657Total Fat 41gSaturated Fat 22gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 14gCholesterol 146mgSodium 917mgCarbohydrates 29gFiber 4gSugar 7gProtein 44g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes:

Chicken Breasts: Lean and high in protein, chicken is the base of this dish. Opt for boneless, skinless pieces for quick prep.
Broccoli: Provides vitamins, fiber, and a pop of color. Fresh broccoli is ideal, but frozen works in a pinch.
Cheese: A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella ensures both flavor and melty goodness. You can experiment with other cheese varieties like Gruyere or Monterey Jack.
Milk: Acts as the base for the creamy sauce. Use whole milk for richness or almond milk for a lighter option.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning add depth to the dish. Adjust to taste for your perfect flavor balance.

Variations and Substitutions:

Vegetable Swap: Replace broccoli with cauliflower, spinach, or green beans for variety.
Protein Options: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, or try turkey, tofu, or shrimp for a twist.
Cheese Choices: Swap cheddar for Colby Jack, Swiss, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Low-Carb Option: Skip breadcrumbs or use almond flour for topping.
Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free blend for thickening.
Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based cheese, almond milk, and tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken.

Storage Options:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.