Rotisserie Chicken And Broccoli Bake

Name: Rotisserie Chicken And Broccoli Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded; 4 cups fresh broccoli florets; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Highlighted under: Hearty Delights

I love whipping up this Rotisserie Chicken and Broccoli Bake whenever I need a quick yet comforting meal. Featuring tender chicken and vibrant broccoli enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with golden cheese, it truly hits the spot. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights as it takes advantage of store-bought rotisserie chicken, making preparation a breeze. Each bite is not only satisfying but also packed with flavor, and I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t adore it!

Created by

Olivia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-02-23T23:25:37.127Z

When I first tried making a dish like this, I was skeptical. I wondered if the combination of rotisserie chicken and broccoli could really create something special. To my delight, it did! The addition of a creamy sauce not only binds the ingredients together but also enriches each forkful with flavor.

One of my favorite tips is to adjust the cheese based on what's in my fridge. Sometimes I swap in cheddar, other times mozzarella. Each variation offers a unique twist, ensuring this dish never feels repetitive. I’m always excited to make it again for family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy preparation using rotisserie chicken
Creamy, cheesy goodness that pleases everyone at the table
A perfect one-bowl meal packed with protein and veggies

Cooking with Rotisserie Chicken

Using rotisserie chicken is a game changer for this recipe, saving you both time and effort. The already cooked chicken is tender and flavorful, which enhances the overall dish, allowing you to focus on combining and baking rather than cooking from scratch. If you want to amp up the flavor, consider using a chicken with herbs or spices that complement the creamy sauce and broccoli. You can even mix in different parts of the chicken, like thighs or wings, if you prefer a deeper flavor.

As you shred the chicken, take care to avoid large chunks; smaller pieces will blend better with the creamy sauce and broccoli, ensuring each bite is well-balanced. If you don’t have a rotisserie chicken on hand, poaching chicken breasts or thighs in seasoned water can serve as a decent substitute, though the flavor may not be as robust.

Creamy Sauce Secrets

The heavy cream in this recipe serves not only as a base for the sauce but also adds a rich, velvety texture that balances the dish. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even Greek yogurt, but remember that these options will change the thickness and might require a little extra seasoning to achieve the same depth of flavor.

To ensure the cream mixes well with the other ingredients, warm it slightly before combining. This prevents the cream from curdling when it encounters the heat of the oven. A consistent stir will help achieve a glossy, homogenous sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken and broccoli.

Serving and Storing

This Rotisserie Chicken and Broccoli Bake makes a fantastic one-bowl meal, but you can easily customize it by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. For a bit of crunch, consider topping the bake with toasted nuts or seeds before serving. This not only enhances the texture but also adds extra nutritional value to the dish.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. If you plan to freeze it, I recommend leaving off the breadcrumbs, as they may become soggy when thawed. Instead, freeze the bake before adding the breadcrumb topping, and sprinkle it on fresh before baking.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Make sure to have everything ready to go!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfect bake:

Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Add Cheese

Fold in half of the cheddar and parmesan cheese into the chicken and broccoli mixture.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle breadcrumbs if using.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious bake!

Deliciousness awaits!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

Ingredient Variations

Don't hesitate to play around with the cheeses in this dish. While cheddar and Parmesan provide a classic flavor profile, you could also experiment with mozzarella for a gooey texture or feta for a tangy twist. Just keep in mind that the more moisture a cheese has, the creamier the result will be, so adjust your cream base accordingly.

For a spice kick, adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños can elevate the flavor and cater to those who enjoy a bit of heat. Additionally, fresh herbs like thyme or parsley stirred into the mix before baking will bring a freshness to each bite that balances out the richness.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your bake is too watery after cooking, it could be due to excess moisture from the broccoli. To prevent this, make sure to pat your broccoli dry before adding it to the mix. Alternatively, you can steam it briefly to remove excess moisture, which helps maintain the consistency of the sauce.

If the top isn't browning as desired, you can turn on the broiler for the last minute or two of baking. Keep a close eye on it, as cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly under high heat. Just be sure your dish is thoroughly cooked through before broiling to ensure the inside is also hot and bubbly.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable, making it perfect for families or gathering with friends. If you're expecting a crowd, simply double or triple the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Just be mindful that the baking time may increase slightly, so keep an eye on the cheese for that golden brown color as your indicator for doneness.

For smaller portions or meal prep, you can divide the mixture between individual ramekins. This also allows for quicker baking times, potentially reducing your cooking time by 5-10 minutes. Each portion becomes its own perfect little bake, ideal for freezing or enjoying throughout the week.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli; just thaw and drain it before adding to the dish.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

You can use whole-grain breadcrumbs, low-fat cheese, or replace some of the cream with Greek yogurt.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish the night before and just pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat.

→ What can I serve with this bake?

It's great as a standalone meal, but a side salad or crusty bread pairs well too!