Description
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake combines tender chicken breast, crisp broccoli florets, and a creamy plant-based cheese sauce with smoked turkey bacon for a comforting, nutritious, and family-friendly meal. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners, delivering hearty flavors and satisfying textures that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 large boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter or oil
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 1/2 cups shredded plant-based cheese
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and chop the fresh broccoli into small florets. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a pan until crisp, then set aside.
- Cook the Chicken and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chicken pieces until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent and aromatic. Add the broccoli florets and cook until bright green and slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt plant-based butter or heat oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the plant-based milk until smooth. Stir in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and natural gelling agent, cooking until the sauce thickens. Fold in shredded plant-based cheese and chopped smoked turkey bacon, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Bake: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and cheese sauce. Mix gently but thoroughly to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and the edges turn slightly golden.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking and tenderness.
- Blanch broccoli beforehand to achieve a crisp-tender texture that holds up during baking.
- Grate plant-based cheese fresh for better melting and creamier sauce.
- Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten free.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set the sauce perfectly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chicken bake, broccoli casserole, cheesy chicken bake, plant-based cheese, family dinner, gluten free casserole, one dish meal
