Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake Recipe

Mary Berry’s Chicken and Broccoli Bake is the perfect comfort food dish, combining tender chicken pieces, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce baked under a golden topping. It’s hearty yet simple, making it ideal for family dinners, weeknight meals, or when you need a satisfying dish that’s easy to put together. With minimal fuss and maximum flavour, this bake captures Mary Berry’s classic approach to homely, delicious cooking.

What is Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake?

Mary Berry’s Chicken and Broccoli Bake is a creamy casserole-style dish made with cooked chicken and lightly blanched broccoli, coated in a rich cheese sauce, and finished with breadcrumbs or grated cheese for a crispy topping. It’s a versatile, family-friendly recipe that balances nutrition with indulgence, offering both protein and vegetables in one dish.

Try Other Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Chicken Casserole
• Mary Berry Haddock and Shrimp Feast
• Mary Berry Chicken and Mushroom Pie
• Mary Berry Chicken and Leek Pie
• Mary Berry Cottage Pie with a Kick

Why This Recipe is Worth Trying

• Comforting and hearty – A complete meal in one dish.
• Family-friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead option – Assemble and chill before baking.
• Versatile – Works with leftover chicken or turkey.
• Golden topping – Crispy and cheesy for extra flavour.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake

• 500g cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded
• 300g broccoli florets
• 50g butter
• 50g plain flour
• 500ml milk
• 150ml double cream (optional, for richness)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 150g mature cheddar cheese, grated
• 50g breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large saucepan for sauce
• Baking dish
• Balloon whisk
• Steamer or pan for broccoli
• Mixing bowls

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake

Step 1: Cook the broccoli

Lightly steam or boil broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the cheese sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened, then stir in cream, mustard, and half the grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Combine filling

In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cooked broccoli, and cheese sauce until evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the bake

Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese, breadcrumbs, and parsley for a crisp finish.

Step 5: Bake until golden

Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan) for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.

Step 6: Serve hot

Serve straight from the oven with a green salad, rice, or crusty bread.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Overcooked broccoli – Made it mushy. Blanching lightly kept it firm.
• Added sauce too thin – Resulted in watery bake. Simmering longer gave the right thickness.
• Skipped breadcrumbs – Topping lacked crunch. Adding both cheese and breadcrumbs gave the best texture.

Healthier Ways to Make Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake

• Use skimmed milk instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
• Swap cheddar for reduced-fat cheese.
• Add extra vegetables such as cauliflower or spinach.
• Replace butter with olive oil for the sauce base.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake

• Chicken → Turkey, ham, or even rotisserie chicken.
• Broccoli → Cauliflower florets or green beans.
• Dijon mustard → Wholegrain mustard or omit for a milder taste.
• Breadcrumbs → Crushed crackers or panko for extra crunch.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Chicken and Broccoli Bake

• Buttery mashed potatoes – Creamy and hearty.
• Steamed carrots – Adds sweetness to balance the dish.
• Crisp garden salad – A refreshing side.
• Rice or couscous – Makes the bake more filling.
• Garlic bread – Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.

Expert Tips for Chicken and Broccoli Bake Success

• Blanch broccoli briefly – Keeps colour vibrant and texture firm.
• Whisk sauce continuously – Prevents lumps.
• Season sauce well – Cheese adds flavour, but salt and pepper balance it.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs – They toast evenly for a golden crust.
• Cool slightly before serving – Sauce thickens as it rests.
• Assemble ahead – Bake on the day for convenience.

Creative Ways to Customize Chicken and Broccoli Bake

• Add crispy bacon pieces for extra flavour.
• Mix in mushrooms or leeks for richness.
• Stir in pasta to make it a complete pasta bake.
• Use blue cheese for a stronger taste.
• Sprinkle with toasted nuts for crunch.

Storing Chicken and Broccoli Bake the Right Way

• Refrigerate cooled leftovers for up to 3 days.
• Freeze unbaked dough for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10 minutes.
• Store in an airtight container to keep the flavour fresh.

How to Reheat Chicken and Broccoli Bake

• Oven method – Reheat at 180°C for 20 minutes until piping hot.
• Microwave method – Heat individual portions for 3–4 minutes.
• From frozen – Bake covered at 180°C for 45–50 minutes until hot.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~480 kcal
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 28g
• Fibre: 4g
• Sodium: 570mg

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FAQs

Should broccoli be cooked before adding it to the chicken and broccoli bake?

Yes, broccoli should be lightly blanched or steamed before adding. This keeps it tender but still firm after baking, preventing it from turning mushy.

How do you stop chicken and broccoli bake from being watery?

To avoid a watery bake, make sure the cheese sauce is thickened before mixing with the chicken and broccoli. Also, drain the broccoli well after blanching to remove excess moisture.

Can I use raw chicken in a chicken and broccoli bake?

It’s best to use pre-cooked chicken for this bake. Raw chicken would release liquid during baking, making the dish watery and unevenly cooked.

How do you get a crispy topping on chicken and broccoli bake?

For a crispy topping, combine grated cheese with fresh breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the bake before putting it in the oven. Bake until golden and bubbling.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry’s Chicken and Broccoli Bake is a warm, satisfying dish that’s both practical and delicious. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and golden topping, it’s a recipe that brings comfort to the table while remaining simple to prepare. Ideal for families or gatherings, this bake is a classic you’ll want to make again and again.