Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli florets; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated cheese (for topping); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1 1/2 cups chopped, cooked chicken

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, creamy dish that’s both wholesome and downright delicious, this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. I absolutely love how this casserole comes together with simple ingredients and turns out golden, gooey, and packed with cozy vibes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend meal, you’ll find that this cheesy chicken broccoli bake is not only satisfying but also pretty straightforward to whip up. Let me walk you through all the tips and tricks I’ve discovered to make yours perfect every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that you probably already have on hand.
Fast Prep and Cook Time: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this cheesy combo every time I make it.
Healthy and Comforting: A great low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on creamy, cheesy goodness.

A white casserole dish filled with a creamy broccoli cheese bake, topped with a golden layer of melted cheese that has browned spots. Inside, chunks of bright green broccoli and creamy light yellow cheese are visible mixed together in a thick sauce. A spoon lifts a portion showing the soft texture of the broccoli and cheese combined under the crispy cheese layer. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe is all about that perfect balance of creamy cheese and tender chicken with vibrant broccoli. Shopping for fresh broccoli and quality cheddar makes a noticeable difference, so I always pick the freshest florets and a cheddar that melts beautifully.

Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen works, but fresh gives a firmer, greener bite.
Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
Mayonnaise: Adds tang and creaminess; I use full-fat for richness.
Cheddar cheese: Sharpness really elevates the flavor, freshly grated if you can.
Garlic powder: A subtle background note to deepen the savory flavor.
Sea salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning, adjust to your taste.
Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a game changer when you’re in a pinch.
Grated cheese (for topping): Adds that irresistible golden crust.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’m all about customizing recipes to suit your taste or whatever you have in the fridge. This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe is super flexible, which makes it a winner on those nights when you just want to mix things up.

Use Different Cheeses: I’ve swapped cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack to add a little twist in flavor and meltiness.
Add Herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley sprinkled on top before baking adds a lovely fresh note—my kids actually love the pop of color too.
Make It Spicy: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
Change the Veggies: Sometimes I add chopped mushrooms or swap broccoli for cauliflower if that’s what I have on hand.
Keto Friendly: This recipe is naturally low-carb, perfect for keto with its creamy, cheesy goodness and nutrient-packed broccoli.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Steam Your Broccoli Perfectly

First off, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×9 casserole dish—my favorite is avocado oil spray because it’s light and prevents sticking without adding extra flavor. Then, bring about two inches of water to a rolling boil in a large saucepan. Add the broccoli florets and steam them for roughly 2 minutes until just fork tender. You want the broccoli to keep a little bite so it doesn’t turn mushy after baking. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Mix Your Creamy, Cheesy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise—stir until smooth and creamy. Then add the garlic powder, sea salt, pepper, and the grated cheddar cheese. This step is where your bake gets its rich, cheesy soul. Finally, fold in the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli, gently mixing until everything’s evenly coated without breaking up the broccoli too much.

Step 3: Bake and Broil to Golden Perfection

Pour your cheesy chicken broccoli mixture into the greased casserole dish, smoothing it out with a spatula. Top it with the last 1/4 cup of grated cheese—that final layer is what bubbles up into that gorgeous crispy crust we all love. Bake for 15 minutes, then switch your oven to broil and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese is bubbly and browned in spots. This broiling step is key—it transforms the bake from tasty to irresistible.

Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

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Steam Don’t Boil: Steaming broccoli for just 2 minutes keeps it crisp-tender and vibrant green—don’t overdo it or it turns mushy in the bake.
Softened Cream Cheese: Warm your cream cheese slightly before mixing to avoid lumps and get that velvety consistency effortlessly.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds extra flavor—plus, my family swears by this shortcut when I’m in a hurry.
Watch the Broil Closely: The broiler works fast, so keep an eye to prevent burning and get the perfect bubbly, golden top every time.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

The image shows a cheesy broccoli casserole in a white rectangular baking dish. The dish has one thick top layer of melted golden brown cheese, with visible green broccoli pieces poking through. The cheese layer looks bubbly with a mix of light and dark orange patches from baking. The broccoli underneath adds texture with small florets spread evenly, contrasting with the gooey, rich cheese on top. The casserole sits on a white marbled surface, with a red and white checkered cloth partially visible at the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top right before serving—adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through all that cheese beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bake is hearty enough on its own, but I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted sweet potatoes to round out the meal with some extra texture and flavor contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving the bake in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or spoon it over toasted ciabatta slices as a decadent appetizer that’ll wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they last up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the next-day meal just as satisfying.

Freezing

You can freeze this bake before baking—just cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. It still tastes fresh and cheesy!

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through, to keep that crispy topping. I find microwaving can make it a bit soggy, so the oven really revives the texture best.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works fine! Just thaw and drain it well before mixing to avoid excess moisture that could make the casserole watery.
What kind of chicken is best for this bake?

Cooked, chopped chicken breast or shredded rotisserie chicken are both great options. Rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and is a time-saver.
Is this recipe low-carb or keto friendly?

Absolutely! This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe is naturally low in carbs, making it an excellent choice for keto and low-carb diets due to the high fat and protein content.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You’d need to swap cream cheese and cheddar for dairy-free alternatives and possibly adjust seasonings—though the texture might differ slightly, it’s worth experimenting!
How do I avoid a soggy casserole?

Make sure to steam broccoli just until fork-tender, drain it thoroughly, and avoid overmixing to keep the bake pleasantly structured and not watery.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines ease and comfort so perfectly. Whenever I make it, the whole family digs in with smiles, and I love how it feels like a warm hug after a long day. If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s easy, tasty, and endlessly adaptable, do yourself a favor and give this one a try. Trust me, it’ll become one of those go-to dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again!