Par Baked Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Bake
Let’s talk about the ‘future tired self.’ You know, the version of you that walks in the door after a long day, the kids are already asking ‘What’s for dinner?!’, and the thought of cooking feels like climbing Everest.
This recipe is your secret weapon. It’s designed for exactly those moments. Think of it as an investment in your future peace of mind, a delicious dinner waiting for you when you need it most.
We’re doubling up today, one meal for tonight and one for that future tired self. Because you deserve a break, and your family deserves a wholesome, tasty meal without the last minute scramble.
Instructions
Pre Game Prep: Getting This Party Started
Alright, moms, listen up! First things first, crank that oven up to 375°F (190°C). While it’s getting toasty, grab your trusty 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spritz or smear of cooking spray – we don’t want any of this goodness sticking, right? This little bit of prep is what separates a chaotic dinner scramble from a surprisingly chill evening. Think of it as setting the stage for a weeknight win!
Now, for the magic mix! In a big ol’ bowl, toss in your pre cooked chicken (whatever you’ve got on hand, really – rotisserie is my BFF here!), those cute little broccoli florets, a can of that creamy condensed soup (cream of chicken or mushroom, your call!), a splash of milk to loosen things up, about half of your shredded cheddar – gotta save some for the grand finale – and a dollop of sour cream if you’re feeling fancy (or just need to use it up before it goes rogue). Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper to wake up all those flavors. Give it all a good stir until it’s looking like a happy, cohesive family.
The Main Event: Baking Bliss (and a Little Mom Magic)
Spoon that glorious mixture into your greased up dish, spreading it out so everyone gets a fair share of the deliciousness. Now, for that crowning glory: sprinkle the rest of that shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. If you’re feeling extra and want a little crunch, now’s the time to scatter some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top. It’s like a little crunchy hug for the cheesy goodness underneath. This is where the real “wow” factor happens, even if the kids think it’s just dinner.
Slide that beauty into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 20 minutes. You’re looking for that cheese to be melted and bubbly, and the casserole to be heated through. Here’s the secret sauce, the ‘Mom Hack’ part: the center should be *mostly* set, but not completely cooked through. This is your 80% par bake, folks! This crucial step means you can totally make this ahead on Sunday and have a stress free weeknight dinner ready to go. Just pull it from the fridge and reheat!
Cool Down & Stash: Your Future Self Will Thank You
Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to dive in immediately. Let it cool slightly – that bubbling lava cheese is no joke! Now, for the genius part: cover it up tight, first with plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. This is how you store it for easy weeknight salvation. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, or you can stash it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Seriously, future you will be singing your praises.
When you’re ready to reheat, just pop it back in a 350°F (175°C) oven. If it’s coming from the fridge, give it about 20-30 minutes. If it’s straight from the freezer, plan for 45-60 minutes, until it’s nice and hot all the way through. Pro tip: You might want to toss a little extra cheese on top before reheating for that extra ooey gooey factor! Dinner crisis averted, thanks to a little pre planning and a whole lot of cheesy, chickeny goodness.
Why This Saves Your Sanity
The ultimate ‘Mom Win’ here is the par bake! This isn’t just about making dinner ahead; it’s about creating a meal that’s 80% done. You assemble it, get it mostly cooked, and then cool and chill it. This means reheating is lightning fast – a quick bake and you’ve got a hot, home-cooked meal with minimal effort on a crazy weeknight. It’s like having a personal chef on standby in your own fridge!
Grocery Heroes
Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate weeknight shortcut, saving you precious time on cooking and shredding. And for the broccoli? Using it cut small means it cooks perfectly in the bake without needing any pre blanching or extra prep. These simple swaps turn a good meal into a genuinely effortless one.
Par Baked Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Bake
Ingredients
Main
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 2 cups broccoli florets cut small (fresh or frozen)
- 1 10.5 oz can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1/4 cup sour cream optional, for extra creaminess
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for topping, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, condensed soup, milk, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and crushed crackers/breadcrumbs, if desired.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The center should be mostly set but not fully cooked (this is the 80% par bake!).
- Let cool slightly. Cover and refrigerate or freeze.
Notes
Serving & Leftovers
This cheesy bake is fantastic served on its own, or you can pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up any extra cheesy goodness. It stores beautifully! Once cooled, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For even longer term savings, freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheating is a breeze – just pop it in the oven until heated through, maybe with a little extra cheese on top!
