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Chicken Broccoli Cheese Bake - Cozy, Comforting, and Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie works great)
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen; bite-sized)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional but adds flavor)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium if possible)
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2% for best creaminess)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack (optional for extra melt)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (adds tang and creaminess)
  • 1/2 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (to toss with breadcrumbs)
  • Cooking spray or a little butter for greasing the dish

Method
 

  1. Prep the oven and dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Par-cook the broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or microwave for 2–3 minutes until just tender-crisp. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry. You want the broccoli to be bright and not watery.
  3. Sauté aromatics: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Make the sauce: Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly add chicken broth and whisk until smooth, then add milk. Simmer 3–5 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
  5. Season and enrich: Stir in salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Off the heat, add 1 cup cheddar and the mozzarella/Jack (if using). Stir until melted and smooth, then fold in sour cream or yogurt.
  6. Combine in the dish: Add the cooked chicken and broccoli to the baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over and gently mix to coat everything evenly.
  7. Add the topping: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the casserole, then the breadcrumb mixture on top.
  8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly around the edges and the top is golden.
  9. Rest and serve: Let it rest 5–10 minutes to set slightly. Serve warm as-is or with rice, buttered noodles, or crusty bread.