Pin A comforting, cheesy casserole featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a golden cheddar topping—perfect for a cozy family dinner.
I first made this recipe when my family was craving something creamy yet hearty, and it quickly became one of our favorite weeknight dinners. The balance of vegetables and protein means everyone at the table is happy.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g), cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- Broccoli florets: 2 cups (about 200 g) fresh broccoli florets
- Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 1/4 cups (140 g) shredded, divided
- Sour cream: 3/4 cup (180 ml)
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (30 g) gluten-free or regular
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and dish:
- 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, about 3 minutes.
- Cook chicken:
- Add chicken cubes and cook, stirring, until just opaque (not fully cooked), about 4 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.
- Arrange in dish:
- Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare topping:
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest and serve:
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin My kids love scooping their own portions at the table and it’s always a hit at family gatherings—leftovers never last long in our house.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad or serve over rice for a more filling meal. A glass of white wine complements the creamy cheddar flavors beautifully.
Make Ahead & Storage
You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when you’re ready. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Customization Ideas
Add sautéed mushrooms or swap cheddar for a blend of cheeses for a new twist. Try using thawed frozen broccoli if you’re in a pinch.
Pin This casserole makes busy weeknights feel special and brings everyone to the table. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, thaw and drain frozen broccoli thoroughly before adding to prevent excess moisture in the bake.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit breadcrumbs entirely for a naturally gluten-free dish.
- → Is it possible to substitute sour cream?
You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter texture and tangy flavor.
- → What cheese works best in this bake?
Sharp cheddar provides a rich, bold flavor and melts well to create a golden crust, making it an ideal choice.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead and refrigerate before baking, just add extra baking time if chilled.