Tender pieces of chicken breast, vivid broccoli, melted mini mozzarella and a golden cheese crust — this casserole comes together in one dish and stays juicy and fragrant every time. An ideal family dinner with almost no fuss.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast — 1–2 pieces, cut into small cubes
- Broccoli — 1 head, cut into florets and briefly blanched
- Mini mozzarella balls — 1 package
- Cherry tomatoes — 10–12, halved
- Eggs — 3
- 20% cream or milk — 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Salt, black pepper, dried dill or other herbs — to taste
- Hard cheese — 100 g (3.5 oz), grated for topping
- Vegetable oil — a little, for greasing the dish
Step-by-step recipe
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (374°F). Lightly grease a baking dish with a thin layer of oil.
- Prepare the ingredients. Cut the chicken breast into small cubes. Separate the broccoli into florets and blanch in salted boiling water for 1–2 minutes, then drain well and pat dry. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Spread the broccoli and chicken mixture in the dish. Distribute the mini mozzarella and tomato halves evenly between the pieces.
- In a measuring jug, whisk the eggs with the cream (or milk), season with salt and pepper, and add dried herbs until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the contents of the dish and generously sprinkle the top with grated hard cheese.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the top is golden. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot.
Nutritional value
| Indicator | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ≈ 440 kcal |
| Protein | ≈ 45 g |
| Fat | ≈ 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | ≈ 7 g |
| Fiber | ≈ 3 g |
| Sugars | ≈ 4 g |
📹 Watch the video recipe in our Telegram channel: @alwaysyummy
📹 Watch video recipe in our Telegram channel
Tips and variations
- Baking time depends on the size of the chicken pieces: the smaller the dice, the faster it cooks.
- Cream gives a softer texture, milk makes it lighter. You can also use a 50/50 mix.
- If you like, swap the mozzarella for suluguni, gouda, or a young cheese, and use Parmesan or Russian cheese for the topping.
- Add a pinch of paprika or garlic powder to the egg mixture for extra character.
- To brown the top more deeply, switch on the grill for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need to blanch the broccoli?
A quick 1–2 minute blanch helps preserve the bright color and a slight bite, while also removing excess moisture. It is recommended, but if you are short on time, you can use raw broccoli and increase the baking time by 5 minutes.
What can I use instead of cream in the egg mixture?
Any fat percentage of milk works, as well as plain unsweetened yogurt or a 1:1 mix of milk and sour cream. The texture will be a little less rich, but the casserole will still stay juicy.
How can I tell when the chicken is cooked?
The juices should run clear, with no pink tint, and the internal temperature should be about 74°C (165°F). The pieces should spring back when pressed and pull apart easily.