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Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Bake - Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup cooked rice or small pasta (optional, for a heartier bake)
  • Nonstick spray or butter for greasing the baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
  2. Par-cook the broccoli: Steam fresh florets for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender. If using thawed frozen broccoli, pat it dry well. This prevents a watery bake.
  3. Cook the chicken: Season chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and the diced onion. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Make the sauce: Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth, then add milk. Stir in Dijon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Add the cheeses: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 1.5 cups cheddar and all the Parmesan until melted. Fold in sour cream or Greek yogurt. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Combine the bake: In a large bowl, mix the chicken, broccoli, and optional rice or pasta. Pour the cheese sauce over and toss to coat evenly.
  8. Assemble: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar.
  9. Bake: Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, until the edges bubble and the top is golden in spots.
  10. Rest and serve: Let it rest 5 minutes to set. Serve warm with a side salad or crusty bread.