Save A comforting, cheesy casserole featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a golden cheddar topping—perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Our family loves this bake on chilly evenings. The first time I made it, the cheesy aroma had everyone hovering near the kitchen, eager for dinner to be served.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 2 large, boneless and skinless, cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- Fresh broccoli florets: 2 cups (about 200 g)
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 ¼ cups (140 g), shredded and divided
- Sour cream: ¾ cup (180 ml)
- Milk: ½ cup (120 ml)
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Ground black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Bread crumbs: ½ cup (30 g), gluten-free or regular
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, unsalted and melted
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon of butter for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Cook chicken:
- Add chicken cubes and cook, stirring, until just opaque (not fully cooked), about 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Mix filling:
- In a bowl, whisk sour cream, milk, 1 cup cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Combine:
- Fold in broccoli florets and the partially cooked chicken mixture until evenly combined.
- Spread mixture:
- Transfer and spread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Make topping:
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest:
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Save My kids always race to scoop a generous serving, and there's rarely any left for lunch the next day.
Required Tools
23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish, large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, cutting board and knife, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains milk from cheese, sour cream and butter. Contains wheat if using regular breadcrumbs. Always check product labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving: 430 Calories, 27 g Total Fat, 13 g Carbohydrates, 34 g Protein.
Save Serve hot for the best flavor and enjoy every comforting bite with your loved ones.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I use frozen broccoli for this dish?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used; just thaw and drain it well before mixing to avoid excess moisture.
- → How can I make the topping extra flavorful?
Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the breadcrumb and cheddar mixture for a smoky depth.
- → Is it possible to substitute sour cream?
Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter and tangier variation without compromising creaminess.
- → What cooking dish size is recommended?
A 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish works best for even cooking and golden topping results.
- → How long should I bake the casserole?
Bake uncovered at 200°C (400°F) for 30–35 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs and confirm other ingredients are gluten-free to adapt this dish.