Easy Baked Broccoli Cheese Chicken: The Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Food
This post was sponsored by Sargento Foods as part of an Ambassador Program for Influence Central, and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
As the leaves begin to turn and a crisp chill fills the air, there’s nothing quite like gathering your family around a table laden with a warm, comforting meal. This **Baked Broccoli Cheese Chicken** recipe is exactly that – a delightful, wholesome dish that brings everyone together. It artfully combines tender chicken breasts with vibrant broccoli, savory bacon, rich Sargento® Shredded Cheese, a hint of diced tomatoes, and a crunchy panko breadcrumb topping. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that the entire family will undoubtedly adore, making it a perfect addition to your weekly dinner rotation.
Baked Broccoli Cheese Chicken: A Family Favorite for Cooler Evenings
When autumn arrives and cooler temperatures set in, my thoughts immediately turn to preparing hearty and warm dishes that offer both nourishment and a sense of coziness. Today’s featured recipe, Baked Broccoli Cheese Chicken, perfectly embodies this sentiment. It takes simple, thinly sliced chicken breasts and transforms them into a gourmet-style meal by topping them with a generous layer of steamed broccoli florets, crispy bacon bits, a blend of premium Sargento® Shredded Cheeses, juicy diced tomatoes, and a golden panko breadcrumb crust. This combination results in a balanced, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dinner that’s ideal for any busy weeknight.
Many parents often face the challenge of encouraging picky eaters to consume healthier meals, especially when it comes to vegetables. This Baked Broccoli Cheese Chicken recipe offers a wonderful solution. The savory blend of chicken, bacon, and cheese makes the broccoli more appealing, ensuring your children get their essential dose of vegetables, along with a significant amount of protein and calcium. Beyond its nutritional benefits, you’ll appreciate how incredibly straightforward this dish is to assemble, requiring minimal prep time for maximum flavor impact. To complete this wholesome meal, consider pairing it with a fresh Avocado Kale Quinoa Salad for a light, refreshing contrast or some zesty Lemon Cilantro Roasted Potatoes for a heartier side, creating a diverse and flavorful spread that caters to all tastes.
The Power of Real Cheese: Elevating Your Meals with Sargento
For this particular Baked Broccoli Cheese Chicken recipe, I find that a thoughtful combination of cheeses truly enhances the flavor profile. My go-to choices are Sargento® Shredded 6 Cheese Italian and Sargento® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese. This harmonious blend offers a rich, creamy texture and a perfectly balanced taste that complements both the earthy notes of the broccoli and the savory flavor of the chicken. The Italian blend brings a classic, herby depth, while the Monterey Jack adds a mild, buttery creaminess that melts beautifully. What truly sets Sargento® Shredded Cheese apart is its unwavering commitment to quality: it is always shredded directly from blocks of real, natural cheese, ensuring an authentic taste and superior melt every time. This dedication to real ingredients makes a noticeable difference in the final dish. In my kitchen, great meals, especially comforting bakes like this one, always begin with high-quality cheese, and Sargento is an absolute staple!
If you’re not yet familiar with Sargento, you’ll be interested to know that this fantastic company hails from my husband’s home state of Wisconsin, a region renowned for its cheese production. As a family-owned business, Sargento shares a deep-rooted passion for real cheese, a value we certainly appreciate in our household. We consistently rely on their extensive range of Sargento® Shredded Cheeses for countless dishes, from casseroles and tacos to snacks and appetizers. The versatility and quality are unmatched, offering consistent performance and delicious flavor in every meal. To further inspire your culinary adventures, I’m also sharing four more delectable recipes below that feature their Sargento® Shredded 6 Cheese Italian and Sargento® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese. Imagine: with just two bags of Sargento® Shredded Cheese, you can unlock five incredibly delicious and diverse meals for your family. It’s an unbeatable value and a testament to the product’s adaptability. I highly encourage you to pick up two bags of Sargento® Shredded Cheese on your next grocery run and give these fantastic recipes a try; you absolutely won’t be disappointed by the rich flavors and effortless preparation that Sargento brings to your table!
Simple Steps to a Delicious Baked Chicken Dinner
Creating this flavorful Baked Broccoli Cheese Chicken is remarkably simple, even for novice cooks, and perfect for busy evenings. Begin by preparing your chicken: take two thick boneless, skinless chicken breasts and carefully slice each horizontally, effectively creating four thinner chicken cutlets. This technique ensures faster and more even cooking, preventing dry spots. Next, preheat your oven to a steady 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat the bottom of a casserole dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Arrange your thinly sliced chicken breasts in a single row within the prepared casserole dish, making sure they fit comfortably without overcrowding.
In a small mixing bowl, combine your aromatic spices: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and a touch of 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper for a subtle kick that enhances the overall flavor. Generously rub this spice mixture onto both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring every piece is thoroughly seasoned. This step is crucial for building a deep, savory flavor. Once seasoned, evenly spread 5 cups of fresh or frozen broccoli florets and 4 slices of cooked, chopped bacon over the top of the chicken. This creates a beautiful and flavorful base for the cheesy topping, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite.
Now for the crowning glory that brings everything together! Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Sargento® Shredded 6 Cheese Italian, 1/2 cup of Sargento® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese, and the 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs evenly over the broccoli and bacon layer. The panko breadcrumbs are optional but highly recommended as they add a fantastic golden, crispy texture to the top of the dish, creating a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and creamy, melted cheese. This final layer ensures a visually appealing and incredibly satisfying finish, adding both crunch and extra deliciousness.
Place your casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through. To ensure safety and optimal doneness, the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven. For a fresh burst of color and flavor, garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley and sliced green onions before serving. The vibrant herbs not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a lovely freshness that brightens this rich and hearty meal. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, family-friendly dinner!
If you’re as passionate about cheese as I am, then you’re in for a treat! Below, I’m excited to share a few more of my favorite cheesy recipes, each featuring the incredible versatility and flavor of Sargento® Shredded Cheeses. These dishes are perfect for various occasions, from everyday dinners to festive gatherings, and are guaranteed to become new family favorites.
Mediterranean Zucchini Boats: A Garden Fresh Delight
These exquisite Mediterranean Zucchini Boats offer a creative and delicious way to enjoy fresh zucchini, especially when your garden is overflowing with them during peak season. They feature hollowed-out zucchini halves generously stuffed with a savory and aromatic mixture of seasoned ground beef and lamb, fluffy rice, rich tomato sauce, warm cumin, and a hint of cinnamon. The boats are then baked until tender and finally topped with a luscious layer of Sargento® Shredded 6 Cheese Italian and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, creating a balanced and wholesome meal that highlights the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean cuisine. This dish is not only tasty but also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
To prepare these delightful boats, begin by baking the hollowed zucchini halves for about 15 minutes in a preheated oven. This initial bake helps to soften them, preparing them to perfectly cradle the savory filling. Once slightly tender, carefully spoon the hearty meat and rice mixture into each zucchini boat, ensuring they are well-filled. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the zucchini is perfectly tender when pierced with a fork and the filling is thoroughly heated through. Just before serving, remove the boats from the oven and liberally sprinkle with Sargento® Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (or the Italian blend for added complexity). Pop them back into the oven for just 3 more minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully melted and bubbly, forming a golden crust. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added touch of vibrant color and freshness. This recipe is hands down my favorite way to enjoy stuffed vegetables, offering both flavor and visual appeal!
Southwestern Hummus Baked Wonton Cups: Perfect Party Appetizers
With football season in full swing and party invitations filling up the calendar, these Southwestern Hummus Baked Wonton Cups are the ultimate fun finger food to serve your guests. These crispy wonton cups are brimming with a flavorful and slightly spicy hummus mixture, black beans, sweet corn, and plenty of Sargento® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese. Baked until golden and warm, they are packed with a vibrant Southwestern flavor that makes them an excellent snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering. Their individual size makes them easy to grab and enjoy, and they’re always a hit!
To create these addictive appetizers, start by combining your spicy hummus, black beans, and corn with 1/2 cup of Sargento® Sharp Cheddar Cheese (or Monterey Jack for a milder profile) in a medium bowl. This mixture forms the heart of your wonton cups. Prepare two muffin tins (you’ll need space for 18 cups) by spraying them generously with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Gently press one wonton wrapper into each muffin tin hole, molding it to fit the shape of the cup and creating a neat little basket. Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the hummus mixture into each wrapper. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, place a second wonton wrapper on top of the hummus mixture in each cup (I like to place this wrapper in the opposite direction of the first for a nice ruffled edge and added crispness, but any way works just fine!). Add another tablespoon of the hummus mixture on top of the second wrapper. Finally, sprinkle each wonton cup evenly with the remaining 1 cup of Sargento® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the edges of the wontons are crispy and golden, and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Garnish these delicious bites with your favorite fresh toppings such as vibrant cilantro, finely diced red onion, juicy cherry tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for an added zing. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Skillet Tomato Basil Meatballs: A Cheesy Appetizer for Any Occasion
Continuing with the theme of football season and entertaining, these Skillet Tomato Basil Meatballs are another absolutely fantastic appetizer option to serve your guests. This dish is wonderfully warm, deliciously cheesy, and perfectly suited for a party, game day gathering, or even as a cozy treat for your family during the holidays. Succulent tomato basil meatballs are simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, then topped with generous amounts of gooey, warm Sargento® Shredded 6 Cheese Italian and a sprinkling of fresh basil. The combination of savory meatballs, tangy sauce, and melted cheese is simply irresistible, offering a comforting and satisfying experience. For the ultimate bite-sized appetizer, pair these meatballs with warm, crusty baguette slices, perfect for scooping up all that cheesy goodness and enjoying every last drop of sauce.
To prepare this inviting dish, begin by spreading 1 cup of your favorite prepared tomato sauce evenly across the bottom of a skillet or an oven-safe dish. This creates a flavorful bed for the meatballs. Carefully place your cooked chicken meatballs (store-bought or homemade work equally well) on top of the sauce, then spoon another cup of tomato sauce over them, ensuring the meatballs are well-coated and nestled comfortably. Bake the meatballs in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated and cooked through to a safe internal temperature. Remove the skillet from the oven, then generously sprinkle 1 cup of Sargento® Shredded 6 Cheese Italian over the top of the meatballs, ensuring an even layer of cheesy goodness. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Once removed, enhance the flavors and presentation with a final sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately with slices of warm, crusty baguette bread for dipping and savoring this delightful appetizer.
Mexican Pizza: A Flavorful Family Favorite for Any Day
Last but certainly not least, I have a versatile recipe that’s perfect for dinner, a quick snack, or even game day festivities: a delicious Mexican Pizza. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, bursting with vibrant flavors, and consistently a huge hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional pizza, offering a unique and exciting taste experience. Packed with both protein and calcium, you can feel confident and happy serving this wholesome meal to your family, knowing they’re getting a nutritious and incredibly tasty dish that everyone will eagerly devour.
To create this mouthwatering Mexican Pizza, start by heating 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and cook until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to ensure the filling isn’t greasy, then add 1/4 cup of water and a packet of taco seasoning, or 2-3 tablespoons of your preferred homemade taco seasoning for customized flavor. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until most of the water has been absorbed, stirring frequently to ensure the flavors meld perfectly with the beef. Remove the seasoned beef from the heat and set it aside.
Next, prepare your tortillas to create a crispy base. Spray a separate large skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium heat. Place each tortilla in the skillet and cook on each side for about 1 minute; this step helps the tortillas crisp up slightly, providing a perfect, sturdy foundation for your pizza. Once lightly crisped, arrange half of your tortillas on a plate and the other half in a single layer on a non-stick baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of refried black beans over each tortilla on the baking sheet, followed by a spoonful of your favorite salsa for a burst of fresh flavor. Next, evenly sprinkle the seasoned ground beef over the refried black beans, followed by a liberal sprinkling of Sargento® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese on each tortilla. Carefully place the remaining tortillas on top of the prepared tortillas on the baking sheet, creating a double-layer pizza. Using a spoon, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce over the top of each Mexican pizza, and then finish with another delightful sprinkling of Sargento® Shredded Cheese. Bake in the oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully bubbly, melted, and the edges are lightly golden. To complete your Mexican Pizza masterpiece, garnish generously with freshly chopped tomatoes, vibrant green onion, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of cooling sour cream, or any other garnishes of your choosing. Enjoy this festive, fulfilling, and utterly delicious meal that’s sure to become a regular request!
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Baked Broccoli Cheese Chicken
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Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut horizontally to make 4 thinner chicken breasts
- 4 slices bacon, cooked, chopped
- 5 cups broccoli, frozen
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 cup Italian cheese, Sargento® Shredded 6 Cheese Italian
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack Cheese, Sargento® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, {optional, for extra crunch}
- salt and pepper, to taste
- green onion, Chopped, to garnish
- parsley, Chopped, to garnish
- tomatoes, Chopped, to garnish
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a casserole dish by lightly coating its bottom with nonstick spray.
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Place the thin chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared casserole dish.
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In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Then, evenly distribute the broccoli florets and chopped bacon over the chicken.
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Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Sargento® Shredded 6 Cheese Italian, 1/2 cup of Sargento® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese, and the 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs over the top.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and green onion before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.