Layered Chicken And Broccoli(Microwave Needed)
Layered Chicken and Broccoli offers a comforting mix of tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and melty cheeses, all prepared quickly in the microwave. Its savory flavors make it perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying family dinner that comes together effortlessly.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups boned chicken, cubed ⓘ
- 8 oz. can water chestnuts, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons milk ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Stir together the broccoli, onions, garlic, salt, and pepper in a round 8-inch baking dish with 1/2-inch depth.
- Cover tightly and microwave on High (100%) for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir the mixture.
- Arrange the cubed chicken and sliced water chestnuts evenly on top of the broccoli mixture.
- Cover with waxed paper and microwave on High (100%) for an additional 3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of cubed chicken. You can also substitute fresh broccoli for frozen if preferred, just adjust cooking time slightly. If you want a creamier texture, try adding a splash of heavy cream along with the sour cream. Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar for a unique twist. Serve this dish alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of rice or quinoa to soak up the creamy sauce. You can also serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal. For a refreshing contrast, a light vinaigrette salad works well. If you enjoy chicken recipes, consider trying Baked Chicken Supreme for another delicious option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Chicken And Broccoli(Microwave Needed) contains roughly 454 calories, with 22g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (172% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value), and iron (83% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2185mg per serving (95% 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 make sure to chop it into small pieces and adjust the cooking time in the microwave to ensure it's tender but still crisp, usually around 5-6 minutes.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the broccoli mixture and layer it with chicken and water chestnuts ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate until you're ready to microwave it, which makes for a quick and easy meal option.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. Alternatively, a mixture of cream cheese and a little milk can also work well to achieve a creamy consistency.
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).