Baked Chicken Breasts And Broccoli
A comforting baked chicken and broccoli dish featuring tender chicken breasts, creamy sauce with cheddar cheese and curry powder, topped with buttery bread crumbs. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines savory flavors with a crispy topping, served alongside rice and vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Mix together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Place the cooked broccoli spears in the prepared pan.
- Pour some of the mixture over the broccoli spears.
- Place the chicken breasts over the broccoli.
- Pour the remaining mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle the bread crumbs mixed with melted butter over the top.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake at 325°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Serve with rice and mushrooms, adding broiled tomatoes for color.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or diced onions to the mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. You can also use frozen broccoli if fresh is unavailable; just thaw and drain it well before use. This recipe can easily be altered to include other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked chicken breasts and broccoli over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal. Adding broiled tomatoes not only enhances presentation but also adds a fresh flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Oven Baked Hash Browns for a comforting dinner. Consider a light salad as a refreshing contrast to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover with a damp paper towel in the microwave to retain moisture. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. This dish can be frozen, but the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Chicken Breasts And Broccoli contains roughly 437 calories, with 20g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1064mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the Cheddar cheese with other varieties like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Each cheese will impart its unique taste, giving the dish a new twist while still complementing the chicken and broccoli.
How can I make this dish healthier?
You can make this dish healthier by using reduced-fat mayonnaise and low-sodium cream of chicken soup. Additionally, including more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers can boost the nutrient content while keeping the flavors delicious and satisfying.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if it goes into the oven cold to ensure it's heated thoroughly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).