Mary Berry Chicken And Broccoli Bake Recipe

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This comforting chicken and broccoli bake is a creamy, satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It has a golden, bubbling topping with a soft and hearty interior, making it perfect for family dinners. The recipe is simple to prepare and ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks. From start to finish, it takes around 45 to 55 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broccoli

2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
300g broccoli florets
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce

40g unsalted butter
40g plain flour
500ml milk
100g mature cheddar cheese, grated
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Topping

50g cheddar cheese, grated
30g breadcrumbs

How to Make Mary Berry Chicken And Broccoli Bake

Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Place a shelf in the middle of the oven so the bake cooks evenly and the topping colours nicely.
Cook the broccoli: Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and cook the broccoli for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
Cook the onion: Heat olive oil in a frying pan and gently cook the chopped onion for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Make the sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan, stir in the flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until smooth and thickened.
Add flavour: Stir in the grated cheese and mustard, then season with salt and pepper. Mix until the cheese has melted into a smooth sauce.
Assemble the bake: Combine the chicken, broccoli, and cooked onion in an ovenproof dish. Pour over the sauce and mix gently to coat everything evenly.
Add topping: Sprinkle the grated cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden, bubbling, and heated through.
Cool slightly and serve: Leave to stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle.

Tips

How do I keep the sauce smooth?

Add the milk gradually and whisk constantly to avoid lumps forming.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for using up roast chicken or cooked chicken from a previous meal.

How do I avoid watery bake?

Make sure the broccoli is well drained before adding it to the dish to prevent excess moisture.

Can I make it more flavourful?

Add a pinch of garlic powder or a handful of herbs like thyme or parsley for extra depth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh green salad
Pair with crusty bread or garlic bread
Add steamed rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal

Storage

Room Temperature

Leave the bake at room temperature for no more than 2 hours after cooking.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until hot throughout.

Nutrition

Calories: 420 kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Sodium: 520mg

These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw and drain it thoroughly before using to avoid excess water in the bake.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the bake and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

What cheese works best?

Mature cheddar gives the best flavour, but you can also use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère.

Can I make this gluten free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour for the sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.