Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bakes
This comforting dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy blend of cheddar and Parmesan. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that can be prepared in individual ramekins or as a family-style casserole.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (Leftover rotisserie chicken works great for added flavor!)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (Fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (Sharp cheddar for bold flavor)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Use full-fat for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (Adds tang and creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking and a golden brown top.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Mix everything until well combined. The mixture should be creamy, with the cheese evenly distributed.
Step 3: Divide the Mixture
Divide the mixture evenly into individual ramekins for single servings or a larger baking dish for a family-style portion.
Step 4: Bake
Place the ramekins or baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bake is bubbly and the cheese is a golden brown on top.
Step 5: Serve
Allow the bakes to cool slightly before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
20 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just make sure it’s thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover or rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or gouda are great alternatives.
4. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! All the ingredients are low-carb, making this dish suitable for a keto diet.
5. Can I add pasta?
You can! Add cooked pasta to make the dish more filling.
6. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bake up to a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and bake when ready.
7. How can I make this dish lighter?
Use light mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie option.
8. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
9. Should I cook the broccoli first?
No need, but you can blanch it for a couple of minutes if you prefer a softer texture.
10. Can I add breadcrumbs on top?
Yes, adding breadcrumbs mixed with butter creates a crunchy topping.
11. How long does this bake keep?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
12. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cheeses, mayonnaise, and yogurt with dairy-free alternatives.
13. What can I serve with this bake?
It pairs well with a light salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
14. Can I use cauliflower instead of broccoli?
Yes, cauliflower is a great alternative or addition.
15. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
16. What type of chicken should I use?
Any cooked chicken works, but shredded rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor.
17. Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, sour cream works as a substitute for Greek yogurt.
18. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are gluten-free.
19. Can I add other seasonings?
Feel free to add paprika, onion powder, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
20. Can I use this as a meal-prep recipe?
Yes, it reheats well, making it great for meal prepping.
20 Best Tips for Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bakes
1. Shred your own cheese:
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
2. Use full-fat ingredients for richness:
Full-fat mayo and yogurt make the dish creamier.
3. Avoid overcooking the broccoli:
This keeps it slightly crunchy and vibrant.
4. Add lemon zest for brightness:
A little lemon zest will lift the flavors.
5. Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor:
It adds a savory depth to the bake.
6. Make it ahead:
You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and bake just before serving.
7. Add a crunchy topping:
Top with breadcrumbs and butter for extra texture.
8. Let it rest before serving:
Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes to let the cheese set.
9. Customize your veggies:
Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
10. Don’t overmix the filling:
Mix just until combined to keep the texture intact.
11. Add a dash of hot sauce:
For a spicy kick, mix in hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
12. Use a glass baking dish for even cooking:
This ensures the bake heats evenly and you can monitor browning.
13. Stir in cooked rice or quinoa:
This makes the dish heartier and perfect for leftovers.
14. Sprinkle extra cheese on top:
For more cheesy goodness, add an extra layer of cheddar before baking.
15. Broil for a crispy top:
Broil for 2 minutes after baking for a golden, crispy finish.
16. Use light mayonnaise for a healthier option:
Light mayo cuts down on calories without sacrificing flavor.
17. Add cooked bacon:
Crispy bacon pieces make a delicious addition to the mix.
18. Serve with crusty bread:
The creamy bake pairs well with a side of garlic or sourdough bread.
19. Experiment with herbs:
Fresh thyme, parsley, or basil adds extra freshness to the dish.
20. Make double batches:
This bake freezes beautifully, so make extra for quick meals later.
By following these detailed tips and answers to common questions, your Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bakes will come out perfectly every time
