Name: Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Broccoli Bake with Garlic Cream Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; 2 cups fresh broccoli florets; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 4 oz cream cheese; 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix; 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Optional: 1/4 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for topping

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This Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Broccoli Bake with Garlic Cream Sauce is the kind of comforting, hearty dinner I love to serve when I want something filling and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Juicy chicken, tender broccoli, melted cheese, and a creamy garlic-infused sauce all come together in one warm and satisfying dish. Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Broccoli Bake with Garlic Cream Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this bake hits all the right notes: creamy, cheesy, savory, and packed with flavor. The ranch seasoning gives the chicken a tangy kick, the broccoli adds a fresh bite, and the garlic cream sauce ties everything together in the best way. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks. Plus, it all bakes in one dish—less cleanup!

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Fresh broccoli florets
Shredded cheddar cheese
Cream cheese
Milk or heavy cream
Garlic, minced
Ranch seasoning mix
Olive oil or butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese or crushed crackers for topping

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
In a skillet, I heat olive oil and sauté the garlic until it’s fragrant.
I add cream cheese and milk to the skillet, whisking until it becomes a smooth, creamy sauce. Then I stir in the ranch seasoning.
In a large bowl, I combine diced chicken, broccoli florets, and half of the shredded cheddar.
I pour the garlic cream sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture and stir to coat everything well.
I transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar (and Parmesan if I’m using it).
I bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through, the cheese is bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
I let it rest a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings. From start to finish, it takes approximately 45 minutes—15 minutes for prep and 30 minutes to bake. It’s a perfect weeknight option that feels like comfort food.

Variations

I sometimes use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
Instead of broccoli, I’ve swapped in cauliflower or green beans depending on what I have on hand.
For a spicier version, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
I’ve also used Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor twist.
Topping it with crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs gives it a nice crunch.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the microwave for individual portions or cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. I’ve also frozen individual portions successfully—just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I make sure the chicken pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F. They should be white and firm inside with no pink.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, I use frozen broccoli sometimes, but I make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid extra moisture in the bake.

Is there a low-carb version of this recipe?

Yes, it’s already fairly low in carbs, but I make it even lower by using heavy cream instead of milk and skipping any optional breadcrumbs.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. I assemble everything a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until I’m ready to bake it. It’s a real time-saver for busy days.

What can I serve with this dish?

I like to serve it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. It’s hearty enough on its own, but garlic bread or rice also pairs nicely.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Broccoli Bake with Garlic Cream Sauce is one of those dishes I keep coming back to. It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying every time. Whether I’m feeding the family or prepping meals for the week, it always hits the spot.