Pin A comforting, cheesy casserole featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a golden cheddar topping—perfect for a cozy family dinner.
My family adores this casserole on chilly nights. The golden cheddar topping is always everyone's favorite part and leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 2 large, boneless, skinless (about 500 g), cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- Broccoli florets: 2 cups (about 200 g) fresh
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 ¼ cups (140 g), shredded, divided
- Sour cream: ¾ cup (180 ml)
- Milk: ½ cup (120 ml)
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Ground black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Breadcrumbs: ½ cup (30 g), gluten-free or regular
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Sauté Veggies:
- 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.
- Prepare Sauce:
- In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, 1 cup cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Combine & Assemble:
- Fold in broccoli florets and the partially cooked chicken mixture until evenly combined. Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes to 35 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin 
Every time I serve this dish at Sunday lunch, it vanishes within minutes. Even picky eaters beg for seconds!
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad, roasted potatoes, or steamed rice to round out your meal.
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cheese, sour cream, butter) and wheat (if using regular breadcrumbs). Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs as needed.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving provides approximately 430 calories, 27 g fat, 13 g carbohydrate, and 34 g protein.
Pin This casserole brings comfort and smiles to the dinner table. Enjoy its creamy, cheesy goodness any night of the week!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What is the best way to cook the chicken before baking?
Sauté the chicken cubes briefly until just opaque to ensure tenderness without overcooking. This helps them finish cooking evenly in the oven.
- → Can I use frozen broccoli for this dish?
Yes, thaw and drain frozen broccoli well before mixing to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
- → How can I make the topping extra crispy?
Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter thoroughly and sprinkle evenly. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance flavor and texture.
- → What alternatives exist for sour cream in the mixture?
Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter substitute, providing similar creaminess and tang.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients meet gluten-free standards.
- → What are ideal drink pairings for this dish?
A dry white wine such as Chardonnay complements the creamy cheddar and poultry flavors nicely.