Mediterranean Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Broccoli Bake with Garlic Cream Sauce

This dish combines tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy garlic-ranch sauce with melty cheese on top. It’s a comforting, Mediterranean-inspired casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The flavors are rich without being heavy, and the garlic cream sauce elevates the simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying bake.

Time

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 30–35 minutes

Total: 45–50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Bake

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or lightly steamed)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino

1 packet (or 2 tbsp) ranch seasoning

For the Garlic Cream Sauce

2 tbsp butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1½ cups milk (or cream for extra richness)

¼ tsp salt, or to taste

¼ tsp black pepper

Optional: pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika for warmth

Instructions

Preheat oven
Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly.

Cook chicken
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Steam or blanch broccoli
Briefly cook broccoli until bright green and slightly tender, about 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Make the garlic cream sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.

Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.

Add salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.

Assemble the bake

Place chicken and broccoli in the baking dish.

Pour garlic cream sauce over the top. Stir gently to coat evenly.

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Chicken should reach 165°F internally.

Finish
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.

Tips

Pat chicken dry before cooking for better browning.

Don’t overcook chicken in the skillet; it will finish in the oven.

Slightly undercook broccoli if using fresh; it will finish in the bake.

Stir the sauce constantly while thickening to prevent lumps.

Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for melty yet flavorful topping.

Add a squeeze of lemon over the finished bake for brightness.

Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer sauce.

Make ahead: assemble the dish without cheese and bake when ready.

Cover with foil if the cheese browns too quickly.

Let the dish rest before serving so the sauce thickens and flavors meld.

Variations

Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Low-Carb/Keto: Skip flour in the sauce; thicken with cream cheese.

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Protein Swap: Use turkey, chicken thighs, or cooked rotisserie chicken.

Cheese Swap: Use cheddar or Gouda for a different flavor profile.

Herb Mix: Add fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary to the sauce.

Mediterranean Twist: Add olives or sun-dried tomatoes.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour in the sauce.

Extra Creamy: Mix in cream cheese for ultra-creamy texture.

Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half or milk and reduce cheese slightly.

Q&A

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and drain excess water before adding.

Can I make this ahead?
Assemble in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Can this be frozen?
Yes, freeze before baking. Bake from frozen and add extra 10–15 minutes.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Boneless thighs work well; they stay juicy. Adjust baking time slightly.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese.

Can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
Adjust flour or milk as needed; add more milk to thin or simmer longer to thicken.

Can I add garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, use ½–1 tsp garlic powder in the sauce.

Is this suitable for keto?
Yes, use cream instead of milk and skip the flour.

Can I add pasta?
Yes, toss in cooked pasta for a hearty casserole, but reduce sauce slightly.

What can I serve with it?
Serve with cauliflower rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Nutrition

(approx. per serving, 6 servings)

Calories: 350–400

Protein: 35 g

Fat: 18 g

Carbs: 8–10 g

Fiber: 2 g

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Broccoli Bake combines comfort and flavor in one pan. The creamy garlic-ranch sauce and melted cheese make it irresistible, while the chicken and broccoli provide a balanced, wholesome meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, and easily customizable to your taste preferences.