This post was sponsored by Sargento Foods as part of an Ambassador Program for Influence Central, and all opinions expressed in my post are entirely my own.
Baked Broccoli Cheese Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Food Weeknight Meal
As the leaves begin to change and a crisp coolness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the table for a warm, hearty meal that truly feels like a hug in a bowl. Our Baked Broccoli Cheese Chicken recipe is precisely that – a comforting, incredibly satisfying dish perfect for any weeknight. This family-favorite combines tender chicken breasts, vibrant broccoli, crispy bacon, rich Sargento® Shredded Cheese, and a delightful panko breadcrumb topping for an irresistible crunch. It’s a meal designed to bring joy and warmth to your home, promising smiles from even the pickiest eaters.
We all understand the challenge of preparing wholesome meals that delight everyone, especially when trying to incorporate essential vegetables. This Baked Broccoli Cheese Chicken strikes the perfect balance, delivering a generous serving of nutritious broccoli alongside quality protein and calcium, making it a well-rounded and appealing choice. Beyond its impressive nutritional profile, you’ll adore how effortlessly this dish comes together. Serve it with a fresh side salad or some savory roasted potatoes, and you’ve created a complete, delicious meal with minimal fuss.
The Secret to Our Irresistible Baked Broccoli Cheese Chicken: Sargento® Cheese
The foundation of any truly great cheesy dish lies in the quality of its cheese. For this Baked Broccoli Cheese Chicken, I highly recommend using a thoughtful blend of cheeses to achieve maximum flavor and melt-factor. This recipe specifically calls for a delightful combination of Sargento® Shredded 6 Cheese Italian and Sargento® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese. This pairing creates a harmonious flavor profile that perfectly complements the savory chicken and earthy broccoli, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.
What sets Sargento® Shredded Cheese apart, and why it’s my go-to choice, is its unwavering commitment to quality. Unlike many other brands, Sargento® cheese is always shredded directly from blocks of real, natural cheese. This crucial detail makes a significant difference in both taste and texture, ensuring a superior melt and a more authentic cheese experience. In our household, real cheese isn’t just an ingredient; it’s a beloved staple, elevating everyday meals into something special.
For those unfamiliar, Sargento is a proud, family-owned company hailing from my husband’s home state of Wisconsin – a region renowned for its cheese heritage. Their dedication to crafting genuine, delicious cheese resonates deeply with us. We consistently rely on Sargento® Shredded Cheeses for their consistent quality and incredible flavor in countless dishes. In fact, beyond this fantastic chicken bake, I’m excited to share four more incredible recipes that beautifully showcase the versatility and deliciousness of Sargento® Shredded 6 Cheese Italian and Sargento® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese. Imagine, with just two bags of Sargento® Shredded Cheese, you can unlock five distinct and delectable meals for your family. It’s an unbeatable value and a testament to the power of real cheese. Trust me, you’ll want to stock up and try these recipes; they are guaranteed to impress!
Easy Steps to Create Your Baked Broccoli Cheese Chicken Masterpiece
Preparing this flavorful Baked Broccoli Cheese Chicken is refreshingly simple, making it ideal for busy evenings. Follow these straightforward steps to bring this delightful dish to your family’s table:
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take two thick boneless, skinless chicken breasts and carefully slice each horizontally to create four thinner, even cutlets. This ensures they cook quickly and uniformly. Lightly spray the bottom of a casserole dish with nonstick spray, then arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Season with Flavor: In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and a touch of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick. Generously rub this aromatic spice blend over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. This step infuses the chicken with incredible flavor from the start.
- Add the Toppings: Evenly distribute the broccoli florets and crumbled, cooked bacon over the seasoned chicken. The combination of tender broccoli and savory bacon adds depth and texture to the dish.
- Cheese and Crunch Layer: Now for the star of the show! Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Sargento® Shredded 6 Cheese Italian, along with 1/2 cup of Sargento® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese, over the broccoli and bacon. For that irresistible golden-brown crust and extra crunch, finish by scattering 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs evenly across the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Place your casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be bubbly and melted, and the panko breadcrumbs beautifully golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once removed from the oven, allow the dish to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sliced green onion for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and watch your family enjoy this comforting creation!
Pro Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheese Chicken:
- Chicken Thickness: Ensure your chicken breasts are evenly sliced. If they are too thick, they might take longer to cook, or the toppings might brown too much. If you prefer thicker chicken, simply increase the baking time slightly and check the internal temperature.
- Broccoli Prep: While frozen broccoli works perfectly, you can also use fresh florets. If using fresh, consider steaming them briefly before adding to the dish to ensure they become tender during baking.
- Bacon Crispness: For truly crispy bacon, cook it slightly beyond your usual preference before crumbling, as it will soften a little during baking.
- Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed red pepper based on your family’s spice preference. For kids, you might reduce it or omit it entirely.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or a light pasta.
More Cheesy Delights: Five Family-Favorite Recipes with Sargento® Shredded Cheese
If your love for real cheese runs as deep as ours, then you’re in for a treat! Beyond our spectacular Baked Broccoli Cheese Chicken, I’m thrilled to share a selection of other incredible, cheesy recipes that are sure to become instant family favorites. Each of these dishes leverages the superior quality and flavor of Sargento® Shredded Cheeses, proving just how versatile and delicious real cheese can be.
1. Mediterranean Zucchini Boats: A Healthy & Flavorful Expedition
Transform your summer harvest (or your grocery store haul!) into something extraordinary with these vibrant Mediterranean Zucchini Boats. This recipe takes fresh zucchini and lovingly stuffs them with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef and lamb, fluffy rice, rich tomato sauce, and warm spices like cumin and cinnamon. The grand finale? A generous topping of bubbling Sargento® Shredded 6 Cheese Italian and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. They’re an excellent way to enjoy vegetables while indulging in comforting Mediterranean flavors.
The preparation is straightforward: First, you’ll bake the hollowed-out zucchini halves for about 15 minutes to kickstart their softening. Next, spoon in the delectable meat and rice mixture, returning them to the oven for another 25 minutes, or until the zucchini is perfectly tender when pierced with a fork. To finish, remove the boats from the oven, lavish them with Sargento® Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (or the 6 Cheese Italian blend for a richer flavor), and bake for just 3 more minutes until the cheese is gloriously melted and golden. A final flourish of fresh parsley completes this dish. It truly is my absolute favorite stuffed vegetable recipe, perfect for a lighter yet incredibly satisfying meal!
2. Southwestern Hummus Baked Wonton Cups: Game Day & Party Perfection
With football season in full swing and gatherings on the horizon, these Southwestern Hummus Baked Wonton Cups are an absolute touchdown! They’re the ultimate fun finger food, combining vibrant, spicy hummus with hearty black beans, sweet corn, and generous amounts of Sargento® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese. Baked to crispy, golden perfection in delicate wonton cups, these bites are bursting with incredible Southwestern flavor. They are not only perfect for game day or parties but also make a fantastic, satisfying snack.
Creating these flavor-packed wonton cups is simpler than you might think. Start by combining your favorite spicy hummus with black beans, corn, and half a cup of Sargento® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese. Lightly spray two standard muffin tins (ensuring enough capacity for 18 cups) with non-stick spray. Gently press a single wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, molding it to fit the sides. Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the flavorful hummus mixture into each wrapper.
For an extra layer of texture and stability, place a second wonton wrapper on top of the hummus mixture in each cup. (A little trick: I often place the second wrapper perpendicular to the first, creating appealing overlapping edges, but any placement works perfectly!) Add another tablespoon of the hummus mixture on top of the second wrapper. Finally, generously sprinkle each wonton cup with the remaining 1 cup of Sargento® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese, ensuring even distribution for maximum cheesy goodness. Bake these beauties in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the wonton edges turn delightfully crispy and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Garnish with your preferred toppings – fresh cilantro, diced red onion, juicy tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick – and serve warm!
3. Skillet Tomato Basil Meatballs: A Hearty & Cheesy Appetizer
If you’re hosting guests or simply craving a satisfying, flavorful dish, these Skillet Tomato Basil Meatballs are an absolute must-try! They’re wonderfully warm, incredibly cheesy, and make for a perfect appetizer for any party, game day gathering, or a cozy holiday meal with family. Imagine succulent tomato basil meatballs, simmering gently in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce, then generously topped with gooey, warm Sargento® Shredded 6 Cheese Italian and a flourish of fresh basil. Served with warm, crusty baguette slices, they transform into the ultimate bite-sized appetizer that’s both elegant and comforting.
Assembling this delightful skillet dish is quick and easy. Begin by spreading one cup of your favorite tomato sauce evenly across the bottom of an oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Carefully arrange the chicken meatballs (or beef, if preferred) on top of the sauce. Follow this with another cup of tomato sauce, ensuring the meatballs are nicely coated. Bake the meatballs for approximately 15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warmed through. The magic happens next: remove the skillet from the oven, liberally sprinkle with one cup of Sargento® Shredded 6 Cheese Italian, and return it to the oven for about 5 more minutes, just until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling. Once out of the oven, a final sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and vibrant fresh basil leaves adds an exquisite touch. Serve immediately with warm, crusty baguette bread for dipping, making every bite a heavenly experience.
4. Easy Mexican Pizza: A Family Favorite for Any Occasion
Rounding out our collection of cheesy wonders is a versatile and incredibly popular dish: the Easy Mexican Pizza! Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, need a satisfying snack, or looking for a crowd-pleasing game day treat, this recipe hits all the right notes. It’s remarkably easy to prepare, brimming with vibrant Mexican flavors, and consistently a huge hit with both kids and adults. Plus, packed with both protein and calcium, you can feel genuinely good about serving this wholesome and delicious meal to your family.
Let’s dive into making this family favorite: Begin by heating two teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option) and cook thoroughly until it’s beautifully browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in 1/4 cup of water and either a packet of taco seasoning or 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite homemade taco seasoning blend. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer until most of the water has been absorbed, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
Next, prepare your tortillas. Lightly spray a separate large skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium heat. Briefly cook each tortilla for about one minute per side until it’s slightly crisp – this prevents sogginess in the final pizza. Once crisped, set half of the tortillas aside on a plate. Arrange the remaining half in a single layer on a non-stick baking sheet. Now, for the layering! Spread a generous layer of refried black beans on each tortilla on the baking sheet, followed by a spoonful of your favorite salsa. Then, evenly sprinkle the seasoned ground beef over the refried beans, and top with a generous hand of Sargento® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese. Place one of the reserved crisped tortillas on top of each assembled pizza base.
To complete your Mexican Pizzas, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce over the top tortilla of each pizza, followed by another liberal sprinkling of Sargento® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbling, and the tortillas are perfectly crisp. Once out of the oven, customize your pizzas with your favorite fresh garnishes: think freshly chopped tomatoes, vibrant green onion, aromatic cilantro, a dollop of cool sour cream, or even sliced avocados. Serve immediately and enjoy a flavor fiesta!
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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®
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack Cheese, Sargento®
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, {optional}
- salt and pepper, to taste
- green onion, Chopped, to garnish
- parsley, Chopped, to garnish
- tomatoes, Chopped, to garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 F. Spray nonstick spray on the bottom of a casserole dish.
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Place the chicken breasts in a row in the casserole dish.
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In a small mixing bowl combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper. Rub the spices on each side of the chicken breasts. Evenly spread the broccoli and bacon over top of the chicken.
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Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Sargento® Shredded 6 Cheese Italian, 1/2 cup Sargento® Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese and the 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through {the internal temperature of chicken should be 165 degrees F. Garnish with chopped parsley and green onion.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.