Baked Broccoli & Chicken Casserole is a wholesome, nutrient-dense, and satisfying oven-baked dish. Fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets are combined with tender bite-sized chicken breast cubes and juicy cherry tomatoes, then smothered in a seasoned egg-and-cream custard.
Topped with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and baked until golden and bubbly, this low-carb casserole delivers a complete, rich family meal in one convenient baking dish!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Servings: 4 portions
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Vegetable Base:
- 1½ cups fresh broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1½ cups fresh cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 400g (14 oz) chicken breast, cut into small bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Creamy Herb Custard:
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup cooking cream (or heavy cream)
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder (dried garlic)
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Assemble the Chicken and Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a medium baking dish. Arrange the small broccoli florets and cauliflower florets evenly across the bottom of the dish. Scatter the diced chicken breast cubes evenly over and between the vegetables.
2. Whisk the Creamy Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 3 eggs, cooking cream, dried parsley, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until completely smooth and well blended.
3. Layer and Top
Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the chicken, broccoli, and cauliflower layer, ensuring it reaches the bottom of the dish. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes across the top, then cover generously with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through, the egg mixture has completely set in the center, and the mozzarella cheese is melted and lightly golden.
5. Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the casserole to firm up slightly before slicing and serving warm!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Cut Florets Small: Chop the broccoli and cauliflower into small, uniform florets so they cook at the same pace as the chicken cubes without remaining too firm.
- Drain Tomatoes: Make sure the halved cherry tomatoes aren’t too wet so they don’t release extra water onto the melting cheese layer.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking makes it much cleaner and easier to scoop onto plates.
Tasty Customization Ideas
- Veggie Mix-ins: Add sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, sweet corn, or baby spinach to the vegetable layer.
- Cheese Variations: Mix mozzarella with sharp Cheddar, Gouda, or grated Parmesan cheese for a bolder cheesy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, or cayenne pepper into the egg mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cheesy Baked Broccoli Chicken Casserole warm directly from the oven alongside a fresh garden salad, warm garlic bread, or roasted baby potatoes!
