Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Bake

Featured in: Simple Weeknight Dinners

This creamy bake features tender cooked chicken and vibrant broccoli florets enveloped in a smooth cheddar cheese sauce. The casserole is topped with golden, crispy panko breadcrumbs for added texture. Steaming the broccoli ensures a bright color and tender bite, while the cheese sauce is thickened gently to coat the ingredients perfectly. Baked until bubbly and golden, it's a comforting dish ideal for weeknight meals or gatherings.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 10:51:00 GMT
Chicken & Broccoli Cheddar Bake bubbling, rich, and cheesy, a perfect family-friendly casserole. Save
Chicken & Broccoli Cheddar Bake bubbling, rich, and cheesy, a perfect family-friendly casserole. | dunebasil.com

A comforting, creamy casserole featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a golden cheddar cheese topping—perfect for a family dinner or potluck.

I remember the first time I baked this casserole on a chilly evening. My family couldn't wait to dig in, and it quickly became one of our easiest weeknight favorites.

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Ingredients

  • Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups, diced or shredded
  • Fresh broccoli florets: 3 cups
  • Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
  • All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons
  • Whole milk: 1 cup
  • Low-sodium chicken broth: 1/2 cup
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
  • Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups, shredded (divided)
  • Panko breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon, for a kick

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Instructions

Prepare the Oven & Dish:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Prep Broccoli:
Steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until just tender and bright green. Drain and set aside.
Make Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
Thicken Sauce:
Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Season Sauce:
Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
Add Cheese:
Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine Main Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix chicken, blanched broccoli, and cheese sauce until well combined.
Assemble Casserole:
Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Top & Finish:
Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese (1/2 cup) over the top. Toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and red pepper flakes (if using), then sprinkle over casserole.
Bake:
Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and top is golden brown.
Cool & Serve:
Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Golden-brown crust on top of a savory Chicken & Broccoli Cheddar Bake, ready to serve and enjoy. Save
Golden-brown crust on top of a savory Chicken & Broccoli Cheddar Bake, ready to serve and enjoy. | dunebasil.com

This casserole always brings my family together for dinner, with everyone coming back for seconds at the table.

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Serving Ideas

Pair with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.

Make It Ahead

You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to eat.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving contains about 420 calories, 21 g fat, 21 g carbohydrates, and 36 g protein.

Steaming plate of Chicken & Broccoli Cheddar Bake with creamy sauce, chicken, and broccoli florets. Save
Steaming plate of Chicken & Broccoli Cheddar Bake with creamy sauce, chicken, and broccoli florets. | dunebasil.com

Enjoy this comforting bake fresh from the oven—your loved ones will ask for it again and again.

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Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Bake

Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar combine in a creamy, baked casserole with a golden breadcrumb topping.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
35 minutes
Overall Time
55 minutes
Recipe by Dune Basil Lea Romano


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Information None specified

What You'll Need

Protein & Vegetables

01 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
02 3 cups fresh broccoli florets

Sauce & Base

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
03 1 cup whole milk
04 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
05 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
06 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese & Topping

01 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
02 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional

01 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Blanch Broccoli: Steam or blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender and bright green. Drain and set aside.

Step 03

Make Roux: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute without browning.

Step 04

Create Sauce: Gradually whisk in whole milk and chicken broth. Cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 05

Season Sauce: Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.

Step 06

Add Cheese to Sauce: Incorporate 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into sauce, stirring until smooth and melted.

Step 07

Combine Main Ingredients: Combine cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly.

Step 08

Assemble: Spread mixture evenly into prepared baking dish.

Step 09

Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 10

Prepare Topping: Toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.

Step 11

Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.

Step 12

Rest Before Serving: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving to set.

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Essential Tools

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Steamer or pot for blanching broccoli

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergies, and talk to your doctor if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk (cheese, butter) and wheat (flour, panko breadcrumbs).

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are for reference only. They're not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Energy: 420
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Proteins: 36 g

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