4-Ingredient Cheesy Broccoli And Chicken Bake In Foil
This easy cheesy broccoli and chicken bake is made with just four simple ingredients and baked to bubbly perfection in foil. A quick family dinner recipe with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner / Main Course
- Method: Baking (Foil Tray / Sheet Pan)
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 small breasts)
3 cups small broccoli florets (fresh or thawed and well drained)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or cheddar–mozzarella blend)
1 cup prepared creamy sauce (ranch dressing, Alfredo sauce, or condensed cream of chicken soup thinned slightly)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional)
1–2 teaspoons olive oil or nonstick spray (for greasing foil)
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish or sheet pan with heavy-duty foil, leaving overhang to form a shallow tray. Lightly grease the foil.
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat chicken dry. Slice each breast crosswise into ½-inch-thick pieces. Keep slices grouped together. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
Arrange in Pan:
Place sliced chicken in rows in the center of the foil-lined pan, slightly fanned. Leave space around the edges.
Add Broccoli:
Scatter broccoli around and between chicken pieces, tucking florets close to ensure even cooking.
Mix Sauce and Cheese:
In a bowl, combine shredded cheese and creamy sauce. Stir into a thick, spoonable mixture.
Top the Dish:
Spoon the cheesy mixture evenly over chicken and broccoli. Ensure tops are coated and some sauce settles between pieces.
Shape Foil Tray:
Fold foil edges upward slightly to contain bubbling sauce, keeping the top open.
Bake:
Bake for 22–28 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally and broccoli is tender. Cheese should be melted and bubbling.
Optional Broil:
Broil for 2–4 minutes for golden, lightly browned spots on top. Watch carefully.
Rest and Serve:
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Spoon extra cheesy sauce over each portion.
Notes
Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby-Jack, pepper Jack, or smoked cheddar.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy.
Substitute cauliflower for broccoli or use a mix.
Blanch very firm broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes before baking if needed.
For extra browning, reserve ½ cup cheese and add during the final 10 minutes of baking.
