Chicken Broccoli Bake
A comforting baked chicken and broccoli dish with creamy, cheesy flavors and a hint of curry. Perfect for family dinners, it combines tender chicken, fresh or frozen broccoli, and a savory sauce topped with cheese, bread crumbs, and paprika for a crispy finish. Easy to prepare and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook and drain the broccoli.
- Place the broccoli in the bottom of a greased 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish.
- Arrange cooked, boned chicken breasts on top of the broccoli.
- Mix together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, curry powder, and lemon juice.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and broccoli.
- Top with shredded Cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, and sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute sour cream for the mayonnaise. If you're short on time, using a rotisserie chicken can save you the hassle of cooking the chicken breasts. Adding a dash of garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the flavor profile. Consider using fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra layer of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Broccoli Bake pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside rice or quinoa. It also complements well with steamed vegetables or a light pasta dish. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken from dishes like Cheezy Chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Broccoli Bake contains roughly 448 calories, with 22g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value), and iron (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 648mg per serving (28% 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?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli can be used in place of frozen. Just make sure to steam or blanch it briefly before adding it to the dish to ensure it cooks evenly in the oven.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Certainly! You can replace the chicken with cubed tofu or chickpeas for protein. Additionally, you might want to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the dish's texture and flavor.
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).