Description
A comforting and creamy chicken and broccoli bake that is perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2–3 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Season the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked yet because it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Whisk or stir until smooth.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the chicken and broccoli to the creamy mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer to the baking dish: Spread the chicken and broccoli mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling, the cheese is golden, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Drain the broccoli thoroughly to prevent excess water from thinning the sauce.
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing for a smoother, lump-free sauce.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
- For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg