Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Bake

Ingredients

• 2chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
• 1.25 ml (¼ teaspoon)garlic powder (optional)
• 1.25 ml (¼ teaspoon)Italian seasoning (optional)
• to tastesalt and pepper
• 298 g (10.5 ounces)condensed cheddar soup
• about 180 g (2 cups)frozen broccoli
• about 170 g (1.5 cups)shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat the oven

   Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and position a rack in the top third.

2. 2

   Season the chicken

   Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner pieces. Arrange them side by side in a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13-inch) casserole dish, then sprinkle with the garlic powder, Italian seasoning and a little salt and pepper.

3. 3

   Add the soup

   Spoon the condensed soup over the chicken without adding water.

4. 4

   Add the broccoli

   Arrange the frozen broccoli around the chicken.

5. 5

   Bake covered

   Cover the dish tightly with foil or its oven-safe lid, if supplied. Bake for 25 minutes.

6. 6

   Finish with cheese

   Remove the foil and sprinkle the cheese over the top, concentrating it on the chicken. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through to 74°C (165°F).

7. 7

   Stir and serve

   Serve the chicken first, then stir the broccoli through the sauce, which will have loosened as the broccoli released water. Add more salt and pepper if needed.

What is a chicken bake?

A chicken bake is a casserole-style oven meal in which chicken cooks alongside vegetables and a sauce. This American-inspired version uses condensed cheddar soup for a quick, creamy base and finishes with shredded cheese.

Frozen broccoli makes it easy to assemble without preparing fresh vegetables. Baking everything in one dish keeps the process simple for a weeknight.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 378 calories, 36g protein, 11g carbs, 21g fat.

The chicken provides most of the protein, while the soup and cheddar contribute much of the fat. Broccoli and the condensed soup supply most of the carbohydrates. Pair a serving with a fresh salad or extra non-starchy vegetables for a more varied plate.

Why use condensed soup?

Cheddar soup: use it straight from the can, without adding water. It forms the sauce as the chicken and broccoli cook.

Frozen broccoli: place it around the chicken while still frozen. It releases some moisture during baking, so stirring it into the sauce at the end helps bring the texture together.

Getting the chicken ready

Even pieces: slice each breast lengthwise into two thinner pieces. This helps them fit side by side and cook within the stated time.

Seasoning: garlic powder and Italian seasoning are optional, while salt and pepper bring out the savoury flavours. Season the chicken before covering it with soup.

The covered and uncovered bake

Covered stage: seal the casserole dish tightly with foil or an oven-safe lid and bake for 25 minutes. This gives the chicken time to cook in the sauce.

Cheese stage: uncover the dish, add the cheddar and bake for another 10–15 minutes. Check that the thickest chicken piece reaches 74°C (165°F) before serving.

Serving the sauce

Chicken first: lift the chicken portions onto plates before serving the vegetables. This makes it easier to portion the pieces neatly.

Broccoli and sauce: stir the broccoli through the sauce in the dish, then spoon it alongside the chicken. Taste and add extra salt and pepper if needed.

What to serve alongside

The chicken, broccoli and cheese sauce can be served on their own, or with a simple green salad for a fresh contrast. For a more substantial meal, add rice, potatoes or bread to catch the sauce.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use a casserole dish that holds the chicken and broccoli in a single layer.
• Keep the chicken pieces similar in thickness so they cook at a similar rate.
• Cover the dish tightly during the first bake to retain moisture.
• Concentrate the shredded cheddar over the chicken for a cheesy topping on each piece.
• Stir the broccoli into the sauce just before serving to combine the liquid it releases.

Variations

• Fresh broccoli: use small florets and check them for tenderness before serving.
• Extra seasoning: add a little more garlic powder or Italian seasoning to suit your taste.
• Cheese swap: replace some or all of the cheddar with another good-melting cheese.
• Add mushrooms: arrange sliced mushrooms around the chicken with the broccoli.
• Serve with grains: spoon the sauce over cooked rice for a heartier meal.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Adding water to the soup: leave it undiluted so it forms the sauce as directed.
• Skipping the lengthwise cut: thinner pieces cook more evenly within the stated time.
• Leaving the dish uncovered at first: cover it tightly for the initial 25-minute bake.
• Relying only on the timer: check the thickest piece reaches 74°C (165°F).
• Serving without stirring: mix the broccoli through the sauce to distribute the liquid it releases.

How to store

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat until piping hot, in the microwave or in a covered oven-safe dish; add a small splash of water if the sauce has thickened.

Frequently asked questions