Description
Cheesy chicken broccoli delivers pure warmth on your dinner plate, wrapping your taste buds in comforting goodness. Creamy sauce and tender chicken nestled with fresh broccoli make this simple meal perfect for family nights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large broccoli
- 1 medium yellow onion
Cheese Blend:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese
Seasonings and Supporting Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Coat chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon each of black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a large mixing bowl.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375F. Cook seasoned chicken for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked through. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Saute chopped onion and minced garlic for 3-5 minutes until onions become translucent.
- Introduce broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes at medium heat until tender-crisp. Season with remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Create a roux by melting 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in 4 tablespoons flour for 1-2 minutes until mixture turns golden.
- Gradually pour 3 cups milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue stirring for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Incorporate 1 cup chicken broth into the sauce, stirring consistently.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in 8 ounces softened cream cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Blend 1 ½ cups cheddar, ½ cup mozzarella, and ½ cup Parmesan into the sauce until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Gently combine chicken, broccoli, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl.
- Fold in cooked pasta until evenly distributed.
- Transfer mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish preheated to 350F.
- Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar and ½ cup mozzarella across the top of the dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set.
Notes
- Chicken Selection: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender and flavorful results.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère or gouda for a more complex flavor profile.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free flour and pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
- Vegetable Options: Replace broccoli with cauliflower or add spinach for extra nutrients and variety in your comfort food dish.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg