Saucy Chicken And Broccoli
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked with broccoli in a creamy curry-infused sauce topped with melted Cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining, this dish combines savory, cheesy, and mildly spiced flavors for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- If desired, partially cook the frozen broccoli; drain.
- Place the broccoli in a greased 9-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, brown the chicken breasts in cooking oil on both sides.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the browned chicken over the broccoli in the baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder; pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Cover the baking dish and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and juices run clear.
- Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese over the top and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in lemon juice and curry powder for an hour before cooking. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. You can also use fresh broccoli if you prefer, just blanch it briefly in boiling water before using. This dish can be served with rice or a side salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of fluffy rice to soak up the creamy sauce, or pair it with a light green salad for a refreshing contrast. It also goes well with crusty bread to help scoop up the delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside American recipes like baked potatoes or steamed asparagus.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave until heated through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to cover it to retain moisture and prevent drying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Saucy Chicken And Broccoli contains roughly 875 calories, with 45g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (89% of the Daily Value), calcium (56% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2643mg per serving (115% 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 absolutely use fresh broccoli. Just blanch it in boiling water for a couple of minutes until bright green, then drain it before layering in the baking dish. This will help maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you don't have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can make a homemade version using a roux of butter and flour, combined with chicken broth and milk. This will give you a similar creamy consistency and flavor.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Certainly! To add a kick to your Saucy Chicken and Broccoli, you can mix in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the cream of chicken soup mixture. Just adjust to your heat preference for a delightful twist.
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).