Baked Chicken With Broccoli
Creamy baked chicken with broccoli features tender chicken breasts topped with cheese and breadcrumbs, baked to perfection, making it a comforting and family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a 9-inch square pan and drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the broccoli and sauce.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk.
- Add shredded Cheddar cheese to the mixture.
- Pour the soup mixture over the baked chicken.
- Top with frozen broccoli and sprinkle with breadcrumbs and paprika.
- Return to the oven and bake until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in your favorite herbs or spices before baking. You can substitute fresh broccoli for frozen if you prefer, just steam it lightly before adding it to the dish. If you're looking for a lower-calorie option, use a light cream of mushroom soup or Greek yogurt instead of regular soup.
Serving Suggestions
This baked chicken pairs beautifully with a side of rice or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. You might also serve it alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to enhance the flavors. For a comforting twist, try serving it with a slice of bread or biscuits, similar to dishes like Aunt Peg's Chicken Noodle Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken and broccoli in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. This will help keep the chicken moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Chicken With Broccoli contains roughly 699 calories, with 37g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (117% of the Daily Value), protein (73% of the Daily Value), and calcium (58% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 800mg per serving (35% 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 fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli instead of frozen. Just steam the fresh broccoli until slightly tender before adding it to the dish to ensure it cooks evenly. This will add a nice crunch and fresh flavor to the baked chicken.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your baked chicken, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the soup mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese in place of the Cheddar for a spicier kick.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze this baked chicken dish. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed until heated through.
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).