The Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake is a mouth-watering combination of tender chicken, savory garlic, rich cheese, and wholesome broccoli, all baked to perfection - in my very own oven. This dish not only tastes amazing but also provides a balanced meal for the whole family to enjoy. The melted cheese and crispy cracker topping create a fabulous texture that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
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Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon butter melted
- ½ cup cheese crackers crumbled
- 400 g (14 oz) chicken tenders, cut in half
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ onion chopped
- 2 thyme sprigs
- 2 ½ cups chicken stock
- 1 ½ cups cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190C/350F.
- Heat up a large pan with a bit of olive oil and brown chicken pieces on both sides quickly. Don’t forget to season chicken with salt and pepper.400 g (14 oz) chicken tenders, cut in half
- Remove chicken pieces and saute onion for 5 minutes. Add broccoli florets and cook for 5 minutes more. Season with garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Return chicken pieces back into the pan, mix with rice.1 ½ cups broccoli florets, 2 garlic cloves, ½ onion, 2 thyme sprigs, 1 cup long-grain rice
- Transfer everything into a 2-quart baking pan, mix with ½ cup of cheese and cover with chicken stock.1 ½ cups cheese, 2 ½ cups chicken stock
- Bake, covered with foil, for 50 minutes.
- Meanwhile mix cracker crumbs with butter.½ cup cheese crackers, 3 tablespoon butter
- Remove foil and top the casserole with cheese and crackers. Broil until golden.
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon butter, melted
- ½ cup cheese crackers, crumbled
- 400 g (14 oz) chicken tenders, cut in half
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 thyme sprigs
- 2 ½ cups chicken stock
- 1 ½ cups cheese, shredded
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 190C/350F.
Heat up a large pan with a bit of olive oil and brown chicken pieces on both sides quickly. Don’t forget to season chicken with salt and pepper.
Remove chicken pieces and saute onion for 5 minutes. Add broccoli florets and cook for 5 minutes more. Season with garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Return chicken pieces back into the pan, mix with rice.
Transfer everything into a 2-quart baking pan, mix with ½ cup of cheese and cover with chicken stock.
Baked, covered with foil, for 50 minutes.
Meanwhile mix cracker crumbs with butter.
Remove foil and top the casserole with cheese and crackers. Broil until golden.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake to a whole new level. Here are some options that pair perfectly with this cheesy masterpiece:
Classic Mashed Potatoes
Nothing complements a cheesy chicken bake like a serving of creamy mashed potatoes. The smooth texture of the potatoes balances the richness of the cheese and adds a comforting element to your meal. You can even add a hint of garlic to your mashed potatoes for a cohesive flavor profile.
Fresh Garden Salad
A crisp garden salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the casserole. Toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a healthy and vibrant side dish. The freshness of the salad will cleanse your palate and enhance your dining experience.
Roasted Vegetables
For a nutritious and colorful side dish, I always turn to roasting a medley of vegetables - so easy and honestly, the flavors can add so much to a meal. Carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini work wonderfully alongside the Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake. Simply toss the vegetables in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast until tender and caramelized.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Every great recipe comes with a few insider tips to ensure success in the kitchen. Here are some chef's tips for making the perfect Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake:
Use Fresh Ingredients
For the best flavor, use fresh garlic, broccoli, and high-quality cheese. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in the taste and texture of your dish. Avoid pre-minced garlic or frozen broccoli, as they can compromise the overall quality.
Season Generously
Don't be shy with your seasonings. Season the chicken with salt and pepper before browning it in the pan. Additionally, season the onion and broccoli mixture to enhance their natural flavors. Proper seasoning ensures that every bite is bursting with taste.
Broil for Extra Crispy Topping
After baking the casserole, remove the foil and top it with the cracker and cheese mixture. For an extra crispy and golden topping, broil the dish for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, and you'll achieve a beautifully crunchy finish.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! The Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake is versatile and can be customized to your liking. If you're not a fan of broccoli, you can substitute it with other vegetables such as cauliflower, spinach, or bell peppers. Experiment with your favorite veggies to create a dish that suits your taste.
Is It Possible to Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of adding the shredded cheese and chicken stock. Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake as directed.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Leftover Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake can be stored in an airtight container and frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a 350F oven until heated through. This makes for a convenient and delicious meal on busy days.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
Casseroles are a testament to the beauty of comfort food. And one of the best "main ingredients" is, in my humble opinion, chicken. Chicken just makes for a great base on which to paint your whole rainbow of flavors and textures. Kind of amazing, if you ask me. Some of my favorite chicken casserole creations are:
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