One-Pan Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple, kid-friendly baked dish combining tender chicken, broccoli, and melty cheese in a creamy sauce that's ready in under 40 minutes. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs chopped fresh broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 460 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts, seasoning with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 cups chopped fresh broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3 minutes until broccoli is bright green and slightly tender.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium-low and stir in 4 oz softened cream cheese and 1 cup whole milk, stirring continuously until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth sauce, about 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and fold in 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni and 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until everything is evenly combined.
  5. Step 5: Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pan Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shredded cheddar cheese from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pan Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pan Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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