Description
This Easy Chicken Broccoli Bake with Harissa Twist elevates a classic comfort food with warm, spicy harissa paste. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300g (10oz) Chicken Breast, Diced: Seasoned with paprika and garlic.
- 250g (9oz) Broccoli Florets: Brightened with lemon zest.
- 200g (7oz) Cheddar Cheese, Shredded: For a bold, tangy flavor.
- 100g (3.5oz) Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded: Adds stretch and creaminess.
- 200ml (⅞ cup) Heavy Cream: Creates a rich sauce.
- 100ml (⅓ cup) Vegetable Broth, Low-Salt: Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 Medium Onion, Chopped: Forms the aromatic base.
- 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Enhances savory flavor.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: For sautéing and searing.
- 1 tbsp Butter: Adds richness.
- 1 tbsp Flour: Thickens the sauce.
- ½ tsp Ground Mustard: Adds tang.
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper: Enhances flavor.
- ½ tsp Salt: To taste.
- 2 tbsp Sliced Almonds, Toasted: Provides crunch.
- Lemon Zest: For a fresh finish.
- Parsley, Chopped: For garnish.
- 1 tbsp Harissa Paste: Adds spice and flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a baking dish.
- Sear Chicken: Sear seasoned diced chicken until golden brown.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Create Roux: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Build Sauce: Whisk in broth and cream, simmer until thickened.
- Melt Cheese: Fold in cheddar and mozzarella until melted.
- Combine & Coat: Return chicken to skillet, add broccoli, and coat with sauce.
- Assemble & Top: Pour into baking dish, top with cheese and almonds.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest & Garnish: Let rest, garnish with parsley and lemon zest.
Notes
For a quicker meal, assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake when ready. Adjust harissa paste to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: North African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: chicken, broccoli, bake, harissa, cheese, comfort food, easy, dinner, weeknight