🧀 Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Bake

Here’s a cozy and cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken recipe that combines tender chicken breasts, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy cheddar sauce — all baked to golden perfection!

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🧀 Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Bake

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 4

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📝 Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed from frozen)
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Optional: ½ teaspoon paprika or onion powder

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Season & sear the chicken:
   Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, sear chicken in olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden (they don’t need to cook through). Transfer to baking dish.
3. Make the cheddar sauce:
   In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, and half the shredded cheddar.
4. Layer the dish:
   Top chicken with broccoli florets, then pour cheddar sauce over everything. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F) and cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra golden cheese on top.

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✅ Tips:

• Want extra crunch? Add crushed Ritz crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs on top before baking.
• Use rotisserie chicken and precooked broccoli for a shortcut casserole-style version.
• Add cooked rice or pasta underneath for a full meal in one dish.

❄️ How to Freeze Broccoli Cheddar Chicken:

✅ Before Baking (Best Method):

1. Assemble everything in a freezer-safe baking dish (without baking it).
2. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil.
3. Label with date and contents.
4. Freeze for up to 2–3 months.

📝 Tip: Use a disposable foil pan to save space and cleanup!

✅ After Baking:

1. Let the dish cool completely.
2. Transfer to an airtight container or wrap the whole dish well.
3. Freeze for up to 2–3 months.

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🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• From frozen (unbaked):
  Thaw overnight in the fridge. Bake at 375°F for 30–40 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the chicken reaches 165°F internal temp.
• From frozen (fully cooked):
  Thaw, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave single portions.