Cheesy Broccoli Biscuit Bake

This hearty Biscuit Broccoli Cheddar Casserole combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and melty cheese all crowned with fluffy homemade buttermilk biscuits. The ultimate comfort food, this casserole brings together creamy, savory filling with golden, buttery biscuits for a complete meal your family will request again and again.

I first made this casserole during a particularly busy week when I needed something substantial but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. My family was so impressed that it quickly became our Sunday dinner tradition, with everyone fighting over who gets the last biscuit soaked in that cheesy sauce.

Ingredients

• Homemade buttermilk biscuits for the perfect golden topping that soaks up all the delicious sauce
• Unsalted butter creates the base for your roux without adding too much salt to the dish
• Yellow onion provides a sweet aromatic foundation when properly caramelized
• Minced garlic adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile
• All purpose flour thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency
• Chicken broth brings savory richness to the sauce
• Whole milk creates creaminess and balances the sharp cheese
• Broccoli florets add color, texture, and nutrition to the dish
• Kosher salt enhances all the flavors without being too harsh
• Black pepper provides a gentle heat that complements the chicken and cheese
• Cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick that can be adjusted to your preference
• Rotisserie chicken saves time while adding tender, flavorful protein
• Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and provides that classic tangy flavor
• Garlic butter mixture takes the biscuits from good to extraordinary

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to exactly 375°F which ensures the biscuits brown properly while the filling bubbles perfectly. Spray your baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray, making sure to get the corners and sides to prevent sticking.

Create the Flavor Base

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it starts to foam slightly. Add the diced onions and cook them slowly for the full 8 10 minutes until they become translucent and start to turn golden at the edges. This slow cooking process develops sweetness that forms the foundation of your sauce. Add the minced garlic and cook for just one minute more until fragrant but not browned, as garlic can turn bitter when overcooked.

Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onion mixture and whisk continuously for a full minute. You want the flour to cook until it smells slightly nutty and takes on a light golden color. This step eliminates the raw flour taste and creates the thickening power for your sauce.

Create the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and milk very gradually while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Start with just a small amount of liquid, creating a paste, then slowly add the rest while continuing to whisk. This technique ensures a perfectly smooth sauce.

Cook the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets along with salt, pepper, and cayenne to the sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer where small bubbles just break the surface. Let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching on the bottom. The broccoli should become tender but still maintain its bright green color and slight firmness.

Prepare the Biscuits

While the broccoli mixture cooks, prepare your homemade buttermilk biscuit dough. The key is handling the dough as little as possible to ensure tender, flaky biscuits. Cold ingredients and minimal mixing create the best texture.

Finish the Filling

Once the broccoli is tender, stir in the shredded chicken and cheddar cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese into the sauce, creating a velvety texture. The mixture should be creamy and cohesive with the chicken and broccoli evenly distributed throughout.

Assemble and Bake

Transfer the hot filling to your prepared baking dish, or if using an oven safe skillet, leave it right in there. Divide your biscuit dough into six equal portions and place them evenly across the top of the filling. Bake for the full 35 40 minutes until you see the filling bubbling around the edges and the biscuits have risen and turned a beautiful golden brown.

Add the Finishing Touch

Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the biscuit tops generously with your prepared garlic butter mixture. The heat from the biscuits will help the butter melt and absorb, creating an irresistible aroma and flavor. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

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The secret to this recipe's incredible flavor is properly caramelizing the onions at the beginning. When I first started making this dish, I rushed this step and while the casserole was good, it lacked depth. Taking the full time to develop those sweet, complex flavors in the onions transforms the entire dish from simple to sublime.

Make Ahead Options

This casserole works beautifully as a make ahead meal. You can prepare the filling completely up to two days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the filling until hot, then top with fresh biscuit dough and bake as directed. The baking time may need to be increased by 5 10 minutes if the filling is cold from the refrigerator. This approach is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility. Try swapping broccoli for cauliflower or a mix of vegetables like peas and carrots for a different flavor profile. The chicken can be replaced with turkey, ham, or even smoked sausage. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and double the vegetables or add mushrooms for a meaty texture. The cheese can be customized too sharp cheddar is classic, but Gruyère, fontina, or a combination of cheeses creates interesting flavor variations.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole stands perfectly on its own as a complete meal, but a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the rich, creamy filling. For special occasions, consider serving it alongside cranberry sauce which offers a sweet tart balance to the savory flavors. If serving for company, a light soup starter like tomato bisque complements the casserole beautifully without filling guests up before the main course arrives.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The biscuits will soften somewhat but still remain delicious. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. For individual portions, microwave on 70% power for best results, stopping to stir the filling occasionally. If you prefer crisp biscuits, you can remove them before reheating and toast them separately.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this casserole. Thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding to remove excess moisture. You may need to reduce the cooking time slightly since frozen broccoli is typically pre-blanched.

→ How can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Prepare the filling completely and transfer to your baking dish. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Prepare the biscuit dough separately and refrigerate. When ready to bake, place the biscuits on top of the filling and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I substitute for rotisserie chicken?

Any cooked chicken works well - leftover roasted chicken, poached chicken breasts, or even canned chicken in a pinch. You can also use turkey as an alternative. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with extra broccoli, cauliflower, or sautéed mushrooms.

→ Can I use a different cheese besides cheddar?

Absolutely! Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese would all be delicious alternatives. For extra flavor, try using a combination of cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan. Just ensure you use a good melting cheese for the best creamy texture.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For best results with larger portions, reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

→ What sides pair well with this casserole?

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans also make excellent light sides.