Introduction

This 4-Ingredient Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Bake is an easy, comforting meal that comes together in no time. It combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce for a satisfying family dinner.

4-Ingredient Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Bake in Foil Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 small breasts)
3 cups small broccoli florets (fresh or thawed from frozen, well drained)
2 cups shredded cheese (such as mild cheddar or a cheddar–mozzarella blend)
1 cup prepared creamy sauce (such as ranch dressing, Alfredo sauce, or condensed cream of chicken soup thinned with a splash of water or milk)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional but recommended)
1–2 teaspoons olive oil or nonstick spray, for the foil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rectangular baking dish or sheet pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil, leaving some overhang to fold the edges up slightly and create a shallow tray. Lightly grease the foil with olive oil or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Slice each breast crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick pieces, keeping slices from each breast together. Season lightly with salt and pepper if using.
Step 3: Arrange the chicken slices in neat rows in the center of the foil-lined pan, fanning them so they resemble whole breasts sliced but nestled together. Leave space around for broccoli and cheese.
Step 4: Scatter the broccoli florets around and between the chicken rows, tucking some into the gaps to ensure close contact with the chicken for even cooking and flavor absorption.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheese and creamy sauce. Stir until thick and spoonable. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Spoon the cheesy mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli, coating the tops and allowing some to fall between the pieces for a creamy casserole texture.
Step 7: Fold up the foil edges slightly to contain bubbling sauce, leaving the top open so the cheese can brown. The foil forms a shallow tray supporting the ingredients and easing cleanup.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 22–28 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and broccoli is tender, with cheese fully melted and bubbling.
Step 9: For a crispier, golden top, broil for 2–4 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 10: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce. Serve the chicken and broccoli with the cheesy sauce spooned generously over each portion.

Tips & Variations

Use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey, melty topping with great flavor.
Try different creamy sauces like Alfredo or ranch to vary the flavor profile easily.
To make prep quicker, use frozen broccoli florets that have been thawed and well drained.
Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the chicken for extra flavor before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring the sauce to keep it creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?

Yes, vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, or asparagus can be substituted. Just adjust cooking times so they remain tender but not overcooked.

Is it necessary to use foil for baking?

Using foil helps contain the sauce and makes cleanup easier, but you can also bake this in a greased casserole dish if preferred. Just be sure to leave space around the ingredients for even cooking.

4-Ingredient Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Bake in Foil Recipe

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4.6 from 99 reviews

This easy 4-Ingredient Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Bake in Foil is a quick and comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender sliced chicken breasts are baked with fresh broccoli florets and a creamy cheesy sauce in a foil tray, making cleanup effortless. The dish is finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden cheese topping that will delight the whole family.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 small breasts)
3 cups small broccoli florets (fresh or thawed from frozen, well drained)

Cheese and Sauce

2 cups shredded cheese (such as mild cheddar or a cheddar–mozzarella blend)
1 cup prepared creamy sauce (such as ranch dressing, Alfredo sauce, or condensed cream of chicken soup thinned with a splash of water or milk)

Seasoning and Oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional but recommended)
1–2 teaspoons olive oil or nonstick spray, for the foil

Instructions

Preheat and prepare foil tray: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rectangular baking dish or sheet pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil, leaving some overhang to fold edges. Lightly grease the foil with olive oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry, then slice each crosswise into 1/2-inch thick pieces, keeping slices from the same breast together. Lightly season slices on both sides with salt and pepper if desired.
Arrange the chicken: Place the sliced chicken in neat rows in the center of the foil-lined pan, fanning pieces slightly so they resemble whole breasts but remain nestled together. Leave space around for broccoli and cheese.
Add the broccoli: Scatter broccoli florets around and between chicken slices, tucking some into gaps so they contact the chicken and will cook evenly while absorbing the sauce flavor.
Mix cheese and sauce: In a medium bowl, combine shredded cheese with creamy sauce until thick and spoonable. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Top chicken and broccoli: Spoon the cheesy mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli, coating the tops and allowing some to seep between pieces for a creamy casserole texture.
Shape the foil tray: Fold up foil edges slightly to contain bubbling sauce but leave the top open so cheese can brown during baking.
Bake until cooked: Bake in the preheated oven for 22–28 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and broccoli is tender. Cheese should be melted and bubbly.
Brown the top: Switch to broil for 2–4 minutes to crisp and brown the cheese topping. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes for the sauce to thicken. Serve chicken and broccoli with plenty of cheesy sauce spooned over.

Notes

Use fresh or well-drained frozen broccoli to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
Choose your favorite creamy sauce such as ranch, Alfredo, or a thinned condensed cream of chicken soup for varied flavor profiles.
Broiling at the end enhances the texture with a golden, bubbly cheese crust.
Cooking times may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of chicken slices; always check internal temperature for doneness.
This recipe is easily doubled for larger gatherings by using a bigger baking dish and more ingredients.

Keywords: cheesy broccoli chicken bake, easy chicken casserole, foil bake, quick chicken dinner, cheesy broccoli chicken