Chicken And Broccoli Hot Dish
A comforting chicken and broccoli hot dish with creamy sauce, cheesy topping, and crispy bread crumbs, perfect for family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place cooked, drained broccoli on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer cooked chicken over the broccoli.
- In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and lemon juice to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the sauce to cover it.
- Combine bread crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of plain cooked chicken. You can substitute Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise for a healthier option. If you have fresh broccoli, blanch it briefly before layering it in the dish. To enhance the dish, try adding a dash of garlic powder or some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken And Broccoli Hot Dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve it alongside rice or quinoa. You could also explore more American recipes that feature chicken, like an Easy Chicken Rice Casserole, for variety in your meal planning.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the dish in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overheat, as it may dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Broccoli Hot Dish contains roughly 618 calories, with 15g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1318mg per serving (57% 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! Just ensure to blanch it briefly in boiling water before layering it in the dish to soften it slightly. This will help it cook evenly during baking and maintain a vibrant color.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for this dish due to its sharp flavor and melting qualities. However, you could also use mozzarella for a milder taste or a blend of cheeses for added complexity. Feel free to experiment based on your preference!
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).