Cream Cheese Chicken and Broccoli Bake | Easy Comfort Food Casserole

Cream Cheese Chicken and Broccoli Bake is the kind of dish that satisfies your comfort food cravings while still giving you a wholesome dinner. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, it’s everything you want in a warm oven-baked meal.

This recipe is easy enough for weeknight dinners and flavorful enough for a Christmas dinner or special occasion. Using one baking dish and everyday ingredients, you’ll have dinner on the table in under an hour, with minimal cleanup.

Let’s walk through the full process from ingredients to serving tips.

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Chicken and Broccoli Bake

This Cream Cheese Chicken and Broccoli Bake is rich, satisfying, and perfect for all ages. Whether you’re serving it for a quiet family dinner or preparing it as part of your holiday dinner menu, it always delivers.

• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• One baking dish required for easy cleanup
• Great way to sneak in veggies for picky eaters
• Works well as a make-ahead meal
• Freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully

The flavor comes from a combination of juicy, lightly seasoned chicken and a creamy blend of cheddar and cream cheese. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. It also balances protein, veggies, and indulgent sauce in every bite, which makes it a consistent go-to in many households. Whether you serve it with rice, pasta, or a side of bread, it holds its own as a complete meal.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Chicken and Broccoli Bake

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy chicken broccoli casserole:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)

Use bright green broccoli for the best visual appeal and flavor. If using frozen, don’t thaw beforehand. For the cheese, choose freshly shredded for a smoother melt. Cream cheese should be softened to avoid lumps in your sauce. These ingredients are easy to prep and customize based on dietary needs or what you have available.

How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken and Broccoli Bake

Follow these simple steps to create a cheesy, oven-baked meal everyone will enjoy.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the garlic for 1 minute, then add the broccoli. Stir for 2 minutes to slightly soften the broccoli without fully cooking it.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, chicken broth, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
5. Combine the chicken, broccoli, and sauce in the casserole dish. Stir to evenly coat all ingredients, then top with shredded cheddar cheese and optional Parmesan.
6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, uncovered, until cheese is bubbly and the top is golden.

Serve warm from the oven with your favorite side dish. This creamy bake pairs wonderfully with the One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and works in different settings, from family dinners to festive holiday menus.

• Serve over steamed white rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
• Pair with garlic bread or toasted baguette slices for extra comfort.
• Add a side of roasted carrots or green beans for a colorful dinner plate.
• A crisp green salad balances the richness of the bake.
• Portion it into meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week.

If you’re planning a comforting holiday spread, don’t miss the Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Pie Crust.

Variations and Customization for Cream Cheese Chicken and Broccoli Bake

Make this dish your own by switching up ingredients based on what you love or have on hand.

• Swap in shredded rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking.
• Stir in cooked penne or egg noodles before baking to turn it into a full casserole.
• Replace cheddar with mozzarella for a milder, stretchier cheese.
• Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
• Use cauliflower instead of broccoli for a low-carb option.

Looking for more bold flavors? Try the Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs recipe for juicy, flavorful results.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Chicken Broccoli Bake

Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat your bake:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between rounds.
• For oven reheating, cover the dish with foil and warm at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
• If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk before reheating.
• Freeze baked or unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

For another make-ahead option, check out this rich and flavorful Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken.

Pro Tips for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Use these tips to get the best results every time you make this creamy chicken dinner.

• Cut chicken into even, bite-sized chunks for consistent cooking.
• Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the sauce.
• Sauté garlic and broccoli briefly to build flavor before baking.
• Shred your own cheese, it melts better than pre-shredded.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the sauce.

For another crave-worthy chicken dinner, see how we build layers of flavor in our Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Chicken and Broccoli Bake

Even simple recipes can go wrong with a few missteps. Watch out for these common errors:

• Using cold cream cheese, it won’t blend smoothly.
• Overcooking broccoli before baking, it can turn mushy.
• Forgetting to season the sauce, taste before baking.
• Overcrowding the dish, spread ingredients evenly.
• Skipping the sear, browning the chicken adds deep flavor.

Cream Cheese Chicken Broccoli Bake Conclusion

Cream Cheese Chicken and Broccoli Bake is the kind of dinner that keeps everyone at the table happy. Creamy, filling, and full of flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and festive meals alike. Add it to your regular dinner rotation or keep it in mind for your next holiday menu.

If this Cream Cheese Chicken and Broccoli Bake brought a little joy to your table, be sure to pin it on Pinterest and share it with friends and family, because great food deserves great company.

FAQs About Cream Cheese Chicken and Broccoli Bake

What’s the best cheese to use in a Cream Cheese Chicken and Broccoli Bake?

Cheddar is the classic choice for bold flavor, while cream cheese delivers a smooth and creamy base. You can also add mozzarella for stretch or Parmesan for depth. Use freshly shredded cheese when possible, it melts better and tastes fresher.

Can I make this Cream Cheese Chicken and Broccoli Bake ahead for a holiday dinner?

Yes, this bake is ideal for making ahead. Assemble the full dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Then bake as usual, adding 5 to 10 minutes to account for the chill.

What type of chicken works best in Cream Cheese Chicken and Broccoli Bake?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. For faster prep, try pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Just be sure to cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook through evenly in the oven.

How do I keep broccoli from turning mushy in a Cream Cheese Chicken Broccoli Bake?

To avoid mushy broccoli, use fresh florets and sauté them briefly before baking. If using frozen broccoli, add it directly to the dish without thawing. Don’t pre-cook the broccoli too much, it will soften more as it bakes in the sauce.

Can I freeze Cream Cheese Chicken and Broccoli Bake?

Absolutely. Prepare the dish and either bake it first or freeze it unbaked. Wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the freezer for up to two months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth to keep the sauce smooth.

Cream Cheese Chicken and Broccoli Bake | Easy Comfort Food Casserole

Author: Ellie Cooking Method: Casserole