Creamy Cheesy Chicken & Vegetable Bake

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Base:

  • 2 large chicken breasts (cut into small cubes)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups milk (warm)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (optional but recommended)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

For the Topping:

  • 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheese
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan (optional)

🔪 Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Start by preparing everything:

  • Cut chicken into bite-sized cubes
  • Chop onion and garlic
  • Wash and cut broccoli

👉 Tip: If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it well to avoid extra water.

🍗 Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

In a large pan:

  1. Heat olive oil on medium heat.
  2. Add chicken pieces.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.

Cook for 5–7 minutes until:

  • Lightly golden
  • Fully cooked

Remove and set aside.

🧅 Step 3: Sautéing Aromatics

In the same pan:

  1. Add a little oil if needed.
  2. Cook chopped onion until soft (about 3 minutes).
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

This creates a flavorful base.

🥦 Step 4: Cooking the Vegetables

Add broccoli to the pan:

  • Cook for 3–5 minutes
  • Keep slightly crisp (don’t overcook)

👉 Optional: Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.

🧈 Step 5: Making the Cream Sauce

In a separate saucepan:

  1. Melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add flour and whisk continuously (1–2 minutes).

This creates a roux.

Slowly add warm milk:

  • Whisk constantly to avoid lumps

Add:

  • Cream
  • Cheese
  • Paprika, oregano, nutmeg

Cook until:

  • Smooth
  • Thick
  • Creamy

👉 The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

🍲 Step 6: Combining Everything

In a large bowl or directly in the pan:

  • Add cooked chicken
  • Add vegetables
  • Pour in the creamy sauce

Mix everything well until evenly coated.

🧀 Step 7: Assembling the Casserole

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Transfer mixture into a baking dish.
  3. Spread evenly.

Top with:

  • Shredded cheese
  • Parmesan (optional)

🔥 Step 8: Baking

Bake in the oven for:

  • 20–25 minutes

Until:

  • Cheese is melted
  • Top is golden and slightly crispy

👉 For extra golden top: broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

❄️ Step 9: Resting & Serving

Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

This helps:

  • Sauce thicken
  • Flavors settle

Serve warm.

😋 Texture & Flavor

You’ll get:

  • Creamy, rich interior
  • Tender chicken
  • Slightly crisp vegetables
  • Golden, cheesy top

🧠 Tips for Perfect Results

1. Don’t overcook broccoli

Keep it slightly crunchy for better texture.

2. Use good cheese

Cheddar = strong flavor

Mozzarella = stretchiness

Best = mix both.

3. Thick sauce is key

Too thin = watery casserole.

4. Let it rest

This step is important for structure.

🔄 Variations

🍝 Add Pasta

Mix in cooked pasta to make it more filling.

🥔 Add Potatoes

Use pre-boiled potato cubes.

🌶️ Spicy Version

Add chili flakes or hot sauce.

🥓 Bacon Upgrade

Add crispy bacon pieces for extra flavor.

❌ Common Mistakes

  • Watery sauce → didn’t thicken enough
  • Overcooked veggies → too soft
  • Too much cheese inside → greasy texture
  • Skipping seasoning → bland taste

🍽️ Serving Ideas

  • With rice 🍚
  • With bread 🥖
  • With fresh salad 🥗

🏁 Final Result

Just like your image:

  • Creamy baked dish
  • Golden melted cheese on top
  • Rich, comforting flavor
  • Perfect for lunch or dinner

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