Microwave Chicken Broccoli Bake
A hearty microwave chicken and broccoli bake combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, creamy sauce, and melted cheese for a comforting, quick, and versatile meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. chicken pieces ⓘ
- 1/4 c. flour ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. sunflower oil ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 2 tsp. turmeric ⓘ
- 3/4 c. milk ⓘ
- 3/4 c. light cream ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh broccoli ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 c. grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Roll chicken pieces in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Heat browning dish on Full power for 5 minutes.
- Add oil and chicken to the dish.
- Microwave on Full power for 2 minutes on each side to brown the chicken.
- Place lightly browned chicken pieces in a shallow casserole dish.
- Sprinkle remaining flour over the chicken.
- Combine cream of chicken soup, turmeric, milk, and light cream and pour over the chicken.
- Cover and microwave on High for 15 minutes.
- Place broccoli and water in the dish.
- Cover and microwave on Full power for 6 minutes.
- Drain the broccoli and arrange it in a single layer in the casserole dish.
- Add drained corn and 1/2 cup of Cheddar cheese to the chicken liquid.
- Spoon the mixture over the broccoli and arrange the chicken pieces on top.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of the dish.
- Cover and microwave on High for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the cream of chicken soup and spices a few hours before cooking. If you don't have fresh broccoli, frozen broccoli can be a good substitute; just reduce the cooking time slightly. You can also swap out the Cheddar cheese for mozzarella or a blend for a different taste.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of rice or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the bake. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, serve with mashed potatoes or over a bed of quinoa.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in the microwave on medium power for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also bake it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes for a crispier texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Chicken Broccoli Bake contains roughly 1335 calories, with 63g protein, 165g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (207% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (191% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 other vegetables in this bake?
Absolutely! You can incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even peas to add more color and nutrition. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the vegetables you choose to include.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of microwaving, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to cook, simply add a few extra minutes to the microwave time to ensure everything is heated thoroughly.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use a homemade sauce made from chicken broth, milk, and a bit of flour to thicken. Alternatively, cream of mushroom soup is a great substitute that pairs well with the flavors of this dish.
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).