Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake – Creamy Cheese Sauce

Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake is a family-friendly recipe that brings together nutritious broccoli, lean protein, and wholesome vegetables in one delicious meal. The creamy texture, rich sauce, and crunchy topping create a wonderful balance of flavours that make every bite feel like an indulgence. Whether you’re planning weeknight meals, family dinners, or taking a dish to potlucks, this hearty dish is an easy meal that delivers delicious cooking, a rich sauce, tender chicken pieces, and fresh broccoli everyone will enjoy.

The Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake is the perfect choice when you want comforting comfort food that is both simple and satisfying. This creamy casserole-style dish combines cooked chicken with lightly blanched broccoli, all coated in a rich creamy cheese sauce and finished with grated cheese, breadcrumbs, and a crispy topping that bakes to a beautiful golden finish.

Equipment

A few simple kitchen tools are all you need to prepare this delicious Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake. Using the right equipment helps you make a smooth sauce, prepare the vegetables easily, and bake the casserole evenly with a perfectly golden finish.

• Baking dish – Holds the casserole while it bakes evenly.
• Casserole dish – A great alternative for baking and serving the dish.
• 9×13 inch baking dish – Ideal for making a family-sized portion.
• 2-quart casserole dish – Suitable for standard recipe quantities.
• Large frying pan – Useful for cooking and combining the filling.
• Saucepan – Perfect for preparing the creamy cheese sauce.
• Large bowl – Makes mixing the ingredients quick and easy.
• Wooden spoon – Helps stir the sauce and filling without scratching cookware.
• Whisk – Creates a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
• Knife – For trimming and cutting the broccoli or chicken if needed.
• Chopping board – Provides a safe surface for food preparation.
• Greased baking dish – Prevents sticking and makes serving and cleaning easier.

Ingredients

This Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake uses simple, everyday ingredients to create a rich and satisfying family meal. The combination of cooked chicken, fresh broccoli, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy topping gives this bake its comforting flavour and delicious texture. You can use chicken breast, chicken thighs, shredded chicken, or diced chicken, depending on what you have available.

Ingredient	Quantity
Cooked chicken (breast, thighs, shredded, or diced)	500g
Broccoli florets	1 large head (about 300g)
Onion, finely chopped	1 medium
Garlic cloves, minced	2
Butter	50g
Plain flour	50g
Milk	500ml
Double cream	100ml
Dijon mustard	1 teaspoon
Mature cheddar cheese, grated	150g
Extra grated cheese for topping	50g
Breadcrumbs	50g
Melted butter	1 tablespoon
Fresh parsley, chopped	2 tablespoons
Salt	To taste
Black pepper	To taste

Optional variations: crushed crackers can replace breadcrumbs, while cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, or a pinch of curry powder can be used in alternative versions of the recipe.

How to Make Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) or 200°C (180°C fan). Lightly grease your baking dish so the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
2. Blanch broccoli by placing the florets in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, or steam broccoli until just tender. Drain well and set aside to prevent extra moisture in the bake.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté onion until soft, then sauté garlic for about 1 minute.
4. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make roux. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth.
5. Let the sauce simmer until thickened, then stir in cheese, stir in cream, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper and stir until the cheese has fully melted.
6. In a large bowl, combine filling by mixing the chicken with the broccoli. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
7. Layer chicken and layer broccoli evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over the top, making sure all the ingredients are covered.
8. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the casserole, followed by the remaining grated cheese. This creates a delicious crisp finish once baked.
9. Transfer to baking dish if you mixed everything separately, then bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and golden brown. If your oven runs hot, check it after 20–25 minutes.
10. Serve hot and garnish with parsley before bringing it to the table. Enjoy while the topping is crisp and the sauce is creamy.

Expert Tips for Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake

Making this recipe a few times has taught me that small details make a big difference. Paying attention to the broccoli, sauce consistency, and topping will help you achieve a creamy bake with a beautifully crisp, golden finish every time.

• Lightly blanch broccoli until just tender so it keeps its colour and texture.
• Avoid overcooking broccoli, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• For a smooth sauce, add the milk gradually instead of all at once.
• Whisk constantly while making the sauce to create a perfect lump-free sauce.
• Let the sauce simmer until thickened before adding the cheese for the best consistency.
• Gently evenly coat ingredients with the sauce so every bite is rich and creamy.
• Use mature cheddar cheese for a deeper, fuller flavour that stands out after baking.
• A splash of double cream for richness makes the sauce extra silky without becoming heavy.
• Always season to taste before baking, as cheese can vary in saltiness.
• Grease baking dish well and serve straight from the oven for the best crispy topping and golden brown finish.

Serving Suggestions for Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake

This Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake is best enjoyed serve hot and straight from the oven while the topping is crisp and the sauce is creamy. It pairs well with simple favorite sides, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner, relaxed weeknight meal, or sharing at potlucks.

• Serve with a fresh green salad for a lighter, balanced meal.
• Pair with fluffy rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Enjoy alongside warm crusty bread for extra comfort.
• Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving for added freshness and colour.
• Serve with sparkling water, iced tea, or a crisp white wine if preferred.
• Finish the meal with a light fruit salad or a lemon dessert.
• Great for casual family gatherings, weekend lunches, or holiday buffets.

Storage

Room Temperature

• Let the casserole cool completely before storing.
• Do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Refrigerator

• Store in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly.
• Refrigerate in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave for 2–3 minutes or until heated through.
• For the best crispy topping, reheat in oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes.

Freezer

• This recipe freezes well.
• Freeze in an airtight container or individual portions for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat until piping hot before serving. It is also ideal for meal prep.

FAQs

1. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, but raw chicken should be cooked before assembling the bake. Alternatively, sear the chicken first and make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) after baking.

2. Can I freeze chicken and broccoli bake?

Yes, this casserole freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely, freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

3. How do I stop the broccoli becoming mushy?

Only blanch for 3–4 minutes or steam for 3–4 minutes before baking. This keeps the broccoli tender while preventing it from overcooking in the oven.

4. Can I make ahead?

Yes. You can assemble ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Let the dish sit at room temperature before baking for about 20 minutes for more even cooking.

5. How can I make a healthier version?

Try using low-fat milk instead of cream and reduce cheese or choose a lower-fat cheese. You can also add extra vegetables such as spinach or peas.

6. Can I use a different topping?

Yes. Whole grain breadcrumbs add extra texture, while panko breadcrumbs create an even crispier finish. A light drizzle of olive oil over the topping helps it brown beautifully.

7. Why is my casserole taking longer than expected to cook?

If the casserole has been chilled before baking, it may need an extra 10–15 minutes of baking time. Check that the centre is hot and bubbling before serving.

Nutrition

The following nutrition information is an approximate estimate for one serving of Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake. Actual values may vary depending on the exact ingredients, cheese, and portion size used.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	22g
Sugars	6g
Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	13g
Fibre	4g
Sodium	570mg