![- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed - 1 cup cooked quinoa (or rice) - 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - ½ cup cream cheese, softened - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional for crunch) - Chicken broth (1 cup) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake. You will need cooked chicken for protein. Shredded chicken works great because it mixes easily. Broccoli adds a nice color and crunch. Quinoa or rice serves as a filling base. Cheddar cheese is the star here, giving that gooey, cheesy goodness. Cream cheese adds smoothness and flavor. For seasonings, garlic and onion powders bring out the best taste. Paprika adds a hint of warmth. Salt and pepper round out the flavors. If you want a little crunch, consider adding breadcrumbs on top. Using chicken broth in your sauce keeps the dish moist. All these ingredients help create a meal that is both easy and flavorful. For the full recipe, check the section above. - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Prepare and steam the broccoli florets until bright green and tender. First, you need to set your oven. The right temperature will help your dish cook evenly. Next, steam your broccoli. This keeps it bright and fresh. You want it soft but not mushy. - Combine shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked quinoa, and half of the cheddar cheese. In a big bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the steamed broccoli. Add the cooked quinoa and half of the cheddar cheese. This mix is the heart of your dish. Make sure it's well combined for even flavors. - Prepare the cream cheese mixture with chicken broth and seasonings. Now, let’s make the sauce. In a different bowl, mix cream cheese with chicken broth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it well until it's smooth. This sauce will add richness and flavor. - Mix and transfer to baking dish. - Top with remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. - Bake for 25-30 minutes. Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli mix. Stir it all together. Then, transfer everything into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top with the rest of the cheddar cheese and if you like, sprinkle breadcrumbs for a little crunch. Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You want it bubbly and golden brown. Enjoy your cheesy chicken broccoli bake! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To make this dish lighter, you can substitute cream cheese with low-fat options. This swap cuts calories while still keeping the creaminess. Another great idea is to use brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. Both choices add fiber and nutrients, making this meal even better for you. You can boost the flavor of your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake by experimenting with different types of cheese. Try mozzarella for a milder taste or gouda for a smoky twist. If you like a little heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. A small amount can transform the dish into a spicy delight. When it's time to serve, pair your bake with a fresh salad. The crunch and brightness of the salad balance the richness of the dish. You can also serve it with whole-grain bread. This adds fiber and makes the meal more filling. For the complete recipe, check the link to the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Both options add protein and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it plant-based. This swap gives you a rich taste without meat. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them altogether. This dish still tastes great without the extra crunch. You can also replace quinoa with gluten-free grains like rice or millet. These grains work well and keep the dish light. If you love creaminess, try adding a layer of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This twist gives the dish an extra rich flavor. The tanginess from the yogurt pairs well with the cheese. It makes your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake even more delightful. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors intact and prevents spoilage. To freeze Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake, let it cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. This method protects it from freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, place it in a warm water bath. The best way to reheat your dish is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until hot. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. This helps retain its cheesy goodness. For the full recipe, click here: [Full Recipe]. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. So, you will spend a total of 45 minutes to serve this tasty dish. This quick time makes it easy for busy days or family gatherings. Yes, you can prepare it a day before. Just mix all the ingredients and put them in the fridge. When you are ready, bake it as usual. This saves time and lets the flavors blend well. You can swap chicken for chickpeas, tofu, or cooked turkey. If you like fish, cooked salmon works too. These options still give you protein and keep the dish tasty. Absolutely! You can portion this dish into containers. It stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat each portion as needed. This makes it a great choice for easy lunches or dinners. For the full recipe, check out the details above. In this blog post, we covered the ingredients, instructions, and tips for making Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake. You learned about the key ingredients like chicken, broccoli, and cheese. I also shared how to customize the dish with health-conscious options and variations. Remember, this recipe is not just easy; it’s fun to make. Enjoy trying different flavors or swapping ingredients. You can’t go wrong with this dish! Now, get cooking and enjoy a tasty meal with those you love.](https://juliesdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/8b13fef0-9cf6-4c36-992b-82ab7110863d-250x250.webp)
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake recipe! Packed with tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and delicious cheddar cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners. Learn how to make this creamy and satisfying bake with simple steps and minimal prep time. Ready in just 45 minutes, it's an easy weeknight meal everyone will love. Click through now to explore the full recipe and bring this cheesy delight to your table!