Chicken Or Turkey Broccoli Bake
A comforting baked casserole combining tender broccoli, flavorful turkey, and a creamy cheese sauce topped with crispy bread crumbs and Parmesan, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place cooked and drained frozen broccoli in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle lemon juice over the broccoli.
- Make a cream sauce by melting 2 tablespoons of butter, then stirring in flour, salt, milk, and shredded Swiss cheese until smooth.
- Add turkey strips to the cream sauce and spoon the mixture over the broccoli.
- Mix soft bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon melted butter.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream. You can substitute fresh broccoli for frozen, just steam it lightly before adding. If you're out of Swiss cheese, Gruyère or mozzarella can work well too. If you're in a hurry, using pre-cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken can save time and add flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Or Turkey Broccoli Bake is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light pasta dish. It also makes a wonderful main course for a casual dinner or a potluck gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven will keep the topping crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Or Turkey Broccoli Bake contains roughly 647 calories, with 29g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), protein (58% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1424mg per serving (62% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of turkey?
You can substitute shredded chicken, or even a meat alternative like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Just ensure it's cooked before adding to the cream sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour for the sauce and substitute gluten-free bread crumbs. Many grocery stores also carry gluten-free Swiss cheese, or you can omit cheese altogether for a dairy-free version.
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).