Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Bake

Comfort food has an undeniable allure, especially when it comes to family gatherings and cozy evenings at home. One dish that perfectly embodies this warmth is the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Bake. This delightful recipe marries tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious cheese sauce to create a meal that is not only satisfying but also a joy to prepare. The layers of flavor and texture in this bake make it a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both children and adults alike.

Indulge in the cozy goodness of Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Bake, a perfect comfort food for family gatherings or quiet dinners at home. This dish combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce, creating a meal that delights both kids and adults. With its satisfying blend of textures and flavors, this creamy bake not only nourishes but also brings loved ones together. Easy to prepare and deliciously filling, it's a recipe you'll cherish and share for years to come.

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

3 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)

1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1 cup sour cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam the florets in a pot of boiling water for about 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside. If using frozen broccoli, ensure it is fully thawed and drained.

Make the Creamy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, cooked rice, and steamed (or thawed) broccoli to the creamy mixture. Toss everything together until the chicken and broccoli are well coated.

Assemble the Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased 3-quart (or similar size) baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.

Add Topping (Optional): If desired, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil in a small bowl and then sprinkle on top of the cheese layer for a crunchy crust.

Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.

Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the dish cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the creamy layer to set a little, allowing for cleaner servings.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 40 minutes | 6-8 servings