Description

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Bake is a creamy, comforting one-pan dinner that combines tender chicken breasts with fresh broccoli florets, all smothered in a rich, homemade cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly casserole delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. The combination of melted cheddar, cream cheese, and savory seasonings creates an irresistible dish that both kids and adults will love.

Ingredients

Scale

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 medium breasts)
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 16 oz frozen, not thawed)
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
½ cup sour cream
1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¾ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Arrange Chicken and Broccoli: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Scatter the broccoli florets evenly around and on top of the chicken. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and chicken broth. Whisk together until smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining. Add the minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Pour Sauce Over Everything: Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, making sure everything is nicely coated. Use a spoon to spread it around if needed, ensuring the sauce reaches all corners of the dish.
Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the chicken is nearly cooked through and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
Add Final Cheese Layer: Remove the foil carefully (watch out for hot steam!) and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, the cheese is melted and golden, and the broccoli is tender.
Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are very thick (more than 1 inch), consider butterflying them or pounding them to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: If using frozen broccoli, add it directly from frozen—no need to thaw. It will release some moisture during baking, which actually helps keep the dish moist.
Make It Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
Low-Carb Option: This recipe is naturally low in carbs and keto-friendly as written. Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a complete low-carb meal.
Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream instead of sour cream, and nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approximately 1 chicken breast with
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 145mg