Golden, cheesy, and bubbling with savory flavor—Broccoli Cheddar Chicken is a weeknight comfort food hero. This dish takes juicy chicken breasts and elevates them with a generous topping of melted cheddar cheese, a creamy base, and tender broccoli florets. It’s the kind of meal that looks fancy but is secretly super simple to prepare.

The sharpness of cheddar melts perfectly into a luscious sauce that coats the chicken and broccoli, making every bite rich and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for an easy dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests without the fuss, Broccoli Cheddar Chicken hits the sweet spot between cozy and delicious.

Ingredients for this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra melt)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
⅓ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This base layer of seasoning ensures flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. You’re not cooking them through—just building a nice crust. Remove from heat but keep the chicken in the skillet.

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli and Sauce

While the chicken is searing, lightly steam the broccoli until just tender—about 2–3 minutes. In a small saucepan, warm the heavy cream over medium heat. Stir in the flour if using, and whisk until the sauce slightly thickens. Add in half of the cheddar cheese and stir until smooth and melted.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Spoon the broccoli over the seared chicken in the skillet. Pour the creamy cheddar sauce over the top, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar (and mozzarella if using) evenly over everything. This triple layer of cheese guarantees gooey goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Storage Instructions

To store Broccoli Cheddar Chicken, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For meal prep or leftovers, you can portion it into individual containers with rice, quinoa, or pasta for easy reheating.

To freeze, place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave in 60-second intervals until heated through.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings total):

Calories: 420
Protein: 38g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 410mg
Calcium: 25% DV

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just thaw and drain it first to avoid excess water in the dish.

2. Can I make this recipe low-carb or keto?

Absolutely. Skip the flour and use heavy cream or a low-carb thickener. It’s already very keto-friendly.

3. What other cheeses can I use?

You can swap cheddar for Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even gouda for a twist.

4. Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well and are extra juicy.

5. How do I avoid dry chicken?

Don’t overbake—use a thermometer and remove the chicken once it hits 165°F internally.

6. Can I make this dairy-free?

Try dairy-free cheese and coconut cream, though the flavor and texture will vary.

7. What can I serve with this?

Mashed potatoes, rice, cauliflower rice, or garlic bread all make great sides.

8. Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble everything in the skillet, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to eat!