Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Bake

Introduction

Discover a dish so irresistibly delicious you’ll want to make it part of your weekly rotation! This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Bake combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, golden potatoes, and a luscious cheese topping that creates the ultimate comfort food experience. With its beautiful presentation of vibrant green broccoli florets and bright cherry tomatoes peeking through a golden cheese crust, this dish is as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a portable dish to take to a gathering, this recipe delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to fall in love with a meal you truly could eat every day!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

400g chicken fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried basil

For the Potatoes:

2-3 medium potatoes (approximately 500g), diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried garlic

For the Egg Mixture:

3 large eggs
100ml heavy cream
½ teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

1 medium onion, diced
2 cups broccoli florets (approximately 200g)
8-10 cherry tomatoes, halved
100g cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar), grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided, for cooking and greasing)

For the Optional Dipping Sauce:

2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon chili sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped

Instructions

Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried basil. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly and let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Prepare the potatoes: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In another bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried garlic until well coated.
Cook the potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a little more olive oil if needed. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until they begin to turn golden.
Prepare the broccoli: While the potatoes are baking, place broccoli florets in a heat-proof bowl. Pour boiling water over them and let steep for 5 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
Prepare the baking dishes: Lightly grease four individual aluminum foil baking dishes (or a single larger baking dish if preferred) with olive oil.
Cook the chicken and onion: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the marinated chicken and cook until just done, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
Make the egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, and salt until well combined.
Assemble the bakes: Divide the cooked potatoes evenly among the prepared baking dishes. Top with the chicken and onion mixture. Distribute the drained broccoli florets between the dishes. Place halved cherry tomatoes on top.
Add the egg mixture: Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the ingredients in each dish.
Add cheese: Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top of each dish and garnish with chopped parsley.
Bake to perfection: Return the dishes to the oven and bake for 20 minutes at 180°C (350°F) until the cheese is melted and golden, and the egg mixture is set.
Prepare the dipping sauce: While the dishes are baking, mix the sour cream with chili sauce, minced garlic, and chopped dill in a small bowl.
Serve: Allow the bakes to cool slightly before serving. Serve with the optional dipping sauce on the side.

Nutritional Information and Timing

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes (includes pre-baking potatoes)
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 450
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 890mg

Cooking Tips and Tricks

Chicken tenderness: For extra tender chicken, don’t overcook it in the skillet. It will continue cooking in the oven.
Perfect broccoli: The blanching method (pouring boiling water over broccoli) ensures it’s partially cooked but still maintains its bright green color and some crispness before baking.
Cheese selection: A mix of mozzarella and a sharper cheese like cheddar or Gruyère gives the best of both worlds – great melt and robust flavor.
Potato shortcut: If pressed for time, you can microwave the diced potatoes for 5 minutes before seasoning and putting them into the baking dishes. This cuts down on the initial baking time.
Egg mixture distribution: Pour the egg mixture slowly over the ingredients to allow it to seep through all the layers rather than pooling on top.
Foil dish tips: If using aluminum foil containers for portability, place them on a baking sheet for stability when moving in and out of the oven.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein alternatives: Substitute the chicken with turkey, diced ham, or for a vegetarian version, use firm tofu or double the amount of broccoli and add mushrooms.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cheese substitutes. The flavor profile will change slightly but still be delicious.
Vegetable variations: Add or substitute other vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, spinach, or asparagus depending on seasonal availability.
Herb adjustments: Try different herb combinations in the marinade – thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning all work well with chicken.
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for extra heat.
Grain addition: For a heartier meal, add ½ cup of cooked quinoa or brown rice to the base of each dish before adding the other ingredients.

Common FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything up to the point of adding the egg mixture and cheese. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then add the egg mixture and cheese just before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

How do I know when the dish is fully cooked?

The cheese should be golden brown, and if you insert a knife into the center, it should come out clean without any runny egg mixture.

Can I freeze these individual bakes?

Yes, these freeze well after cooking. Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 325°F oven until heated through.

What sides go well with this dish?

This is a complete meal on its own, but a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully for extra freshness.

Can I make this in one large dish instead of individual portions?

Absolutely! Use a 9×13 inch baking dish and increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes, checking for doneness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after a day as they have time to meld.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes rather than using a microwave, which can make it soggy.
Meal prep: These individual portions are perfect for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday for ready-to-go lunches throughout the week.
Freezing cooked portions: Allow the baked dishes to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Label with the date and contents.
Portability: The aluminum containers make this dish ideal for transporting to potlucks, picnics, or delivering meals to friends. Simply cover with foil for transport and reheat if necessary upon arrival.

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Bake truly embodies comfort food at its finest – hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor in every bite. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy, cheesy goodness creates a meal that’s not just delicious but also nutritionally balanced. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!