Pin Recipe A comforting, cheesy casserole featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a golden cheddar topping. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.
I first made this after a long week, wanting something filling and homey without spending hours in the kitchen. The blend of sharp cheddar with fresh broccoli and juicy chicken always gets rave reviews from my family.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 2 large, boneless, skinless (about 500 g), cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- Broccoli florets: 2 cups (about 200 g) fresh
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 ¼ cups (140 g) shredded, 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, melted
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon of butter until softened for about 3 minutes.
- Cook Chicken:
- Add chicken cubes and cook, stirring, until just opaque for about 4, 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Mix Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, 1 cup cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Fold in broccoli florets and the partially cooked chicken mixture until evenly combined.
- Assemble:
- Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 30, 35 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin Recipe My kids always ask for seconds, especially when the cheesy crust turns perfectly golden. Sharing this casserole around our dinner table is a family tradition whenever someone needs extra comfort.
Required Tools
You will need a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish, large skillet, mixing bowls, a whisk, cutting board and knife, plus measuring cups and spoons for precise assembly.
Allergen Information
This bake contains milk (cheese, sour cream, butter) and wheat (if using regular breadcrumbs). Always check ingredient labels to confirm suitability and substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs as needed.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 430 calories, 27 g total fat, 13 g carbohydrates, and 34 g protein, making it a hearty meal option.
Pin Recipe Serve this bake hot for ultimate comfort. Pair with a green salad or rice for a complete meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, thaw and drain frozen broccoli before folding it into the mixture to avoid excess moisture.
- → What cheese works best for this dish?
Sharp cheddar provides a rich, tangy flavor and melts well, creating a golden crust when baked.
- → How do I achieve a crispy topping?
Mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkling them with cheese over the dish before baking will create a crunchy, golden top.
- → Can I substitute sour cream in the blend?
Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative that still adds creaminess and tang.
- → What herbs complement this bake?
Dried thyme and Dijon mustard offer a subtle depth; a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the topping for extra flavor.