Pin It A comforting, creamy casserole featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a golden cheddar cheese topping—perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
I first made this Chicken & Broccoli Cheddar Bake for a cozy weeknight dinner and everyone loved how creamy and satisfying it turned out. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it quickly became a favorite in my kitchen.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: 2 cups, cooked and diced or shredded
- Broccoli florets: 3 cups, fresh
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons
- Whole milk: 1 cup
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 1/2 cup
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups, shredded (divided)
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare for baking:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook broccoli:
- Steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until just tender and bright green. Drain and set aside.
- Make sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
- Thicken sauce:
- Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Season and finish sauce:
- Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
- Add cheese:
- Add 1 cup of cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Assemble casserole:
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top.
- Add breadcrumb topping:
- In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil (and red pepper flakes, if using), then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin It Sharing this dish always reminds me of family potlucks where everyone went back for seconds and the casserole was gone within minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a crisp salad or your favorite roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Variations
Add cooked rice or quinoa to the casserole mixture for extra heartiness, or incorporate a pinch of smoked paprika for subtle flavor depth.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Pin It 
This Chicken & Broccoli Cheddar Bake delivers on comfort and flavor every time—a truly crowd-pleasing favorite.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make the chicken more tender?
Use cooked chicken breast either shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut to ensure tenderness and flavor.
- → What’s the best way to prepare broccoli for this bake?
Blanch or steam the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender to maintain texture and color.
- → Can I substitute cheddar cheese with another type?
Sharp cheddar provides a nice balance of flavor, but you can try gouda or mozzarella for different mild or smoky profiles.
- → How do I achieve a crispy top layer?
Toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil before sprinkling on top, then bake until golden for a delicious crunchy crust.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep or leftovers?
Yes, it reheats well and flavors deepen overnight, making it a convenient option for make-ahead meals.