Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Bake

Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Bake 🥦🍗
A comforting, cheesy, and creamy casserole-style dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep!

🌿 Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed

• 3 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed

• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni)

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

• 1 cup milk

• ½ cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt (for a lighter option)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

• ¼ cup parmesan cheese (optional for topping)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for crispy topping)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Make the Sauce:

   • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

   • Stir in flour and whisk for 1 minute until smooth.

   • Slowly add milk, whisking continuously until thickened.

   • Add cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

   • Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

3. Assemble the Bake:

   • In a large bowl, mix together chicken, broccoli, and pasta.

   • Pour the cheese sauce over and mix until evenly coated.

   • Transfer to a baking dish.

4. Top It Off:

   • Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese, parmesan, and breadcrumbs on top.

   • Optionally, dust with a little paprika for color.

5. Bake:
   Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

6. Serve:
   Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy comfort dish!

❓ Q&A

Q1: Can I use raw broccoli instead of steaming it first?
A: Yes, but it may stay a bit crunchy. For best results, lightly steam or blanch it first.

Q2: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: You can use Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or evaporated milk for a lighter version.

Q3: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if cold.

Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, freeze it before baking. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Q5: What can I add for extra flavor?
A: Try mixing in crispy bacon bits, mushrooms, or a pinch of nutmeg for a rich flavor twist.