If you’re craving a comforting, wholesome meal that feels indulgent yet balanced, this Creamy Baked Chicken with Broccoli and Fresh Herb Salad is exactly what you need. It combines tender, juicy chicken fillets baked in a rich, creamy sauce with melted mozzarella cheese, and perfectly blanched broccoli that adds both color and texture. Every bite brings warmth and satisfaction, making it the kind of meal you’d proudly serve for a family dinner or a cozy evening at home. The fresh herb salad on the side brings the perfect refreshing contrast — light, crisp, and vibrant with a touch of garlic and basil that brightens the entire dish. This recipe captures the best of comfort food: simple ingredients, effortless preparation, and a deliciously rewarding result.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

For the Creamy Baked Chicken:

• 4 chicken eggs

• Salt, to taste

• Ground black pepper, to taste

• 100 ml (½ cup) cream (20–30% fat)

• 500 g (1.1 lbs) broccoli, cut into florets

• Water, for boiling

• 2 chicken fillets (approximately 400–500 g or 1 lb)

• Vegetable oil, for frying

• Spices for chicken (paprika, garlic powder, or your favorite blend), to taste

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 150 g (5.3 oz) hard mozzarella cheese, grated (reserve some for topping)

• 60 g (¼ cup) sour cream

• 30 g (2 tbsp) mayonnaise

For the Fresh Herb Salad:

• 1 cucumber, sliced

• 2 tomatoes, diced

• A bunch of dill, chopped

• A bunch of fresh basil, torn

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Broccoli: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2 minutes — just enough to make them bright green and slightly tender. Drain immediately and set aside to cool.

2. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken fillets with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Heat a drizzle of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken fillets for 2–3 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, then add minced garlic. Stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.

4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creamy base gives the dish its rich texture and flavor.

5. Assemble the Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with oil. Spread the blanched broccoli and sautéed onions evenly on the bottom. Place the seared chicken fillets on top. Pour the creamy mixture over everything, making sure it coats the ingredients evenly. Sprinkle most of the grated mozzarella cheese over the top, saving a small handful for the final touch.

6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F). Bake for 30 minutes until the top begins to turn golden and the sauce is set. In the last 5 minutes, add the remaining cheese to create a deliciously melted topping.

7. Prepare the Fresh Herb Salad: While the chicken bakes, combine the cucumber, tomatoes, dill, basil, and garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle lightly with olive oil or lemon juice, then toss gently.

8. Serve: Remove the baked chicken from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve warm alongside the herb salad.

Nutrients (per serving, approx. 4 servings)

• Calories: ~370 kcal

• Protein: ~32 g

• Fat: ~22 g

• Carbohydrates: ~8 g

• Fiber: ~2 g

• Calcium: ~20% DV

• Vitamin C: ~60% DV

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes this Creamy Baked Chicken with Broccoli so special is its balance of richness and freshness. The creamy sauce wraps around the tender chicken and broccoli like a cozy blanket, while the herb salad cuts through that richness, keeping your palate refreshed. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet doesn’t leave you feeling heavy afterward. You’ll also love how simple it is — no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for the week, it’s reliable, hearty, and wholesome. Plus, it’s kid-friendly; even picky eaters won’t say no to creamy, cheesy chicken.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

This baked chicken dish draws inspiration from traditional European comfort cooking, particularly French and Italian cuisines, where cream and cheese are used to elevate simple proteins like chicken or vegetables. The combination of broccoli and chicken in a creamy sauce echoes the classic “chicken divan” that became popular in mid-20th-century America — a dish known for its baked layers of chicken, broccoli, and a luscious sauce. Here, however, we keep it fresher and lighter, blending modern health-conscious cooking with old-fashioned comfort. The fresh herb salad gives a Mediterranean touch, reminiscent of countryside meals where everything comes straight from the garden.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken Fillets: Lean, tender, and versatile, chicken fillets are a reliable source of protein. They absorb flavors beautifully, especially when seared before baking.
Broccoli: This green powerhouse adds color, crunch, and nutrition. It’s packed with vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and fiber that support immunity and digestion.
Eggs and Cream: Together, they create the luscious, custard-like texture that defines the sauce. The eggs help it set, while the cream gives richness.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds that irresistible gooey texture and mild flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: These two ingredients balance each other — sour cream adds tang, and mayonnaise brings smoothness.
Dill and Basil: In the salad, these herbs transform simple vegetables into something refreshing, aromatic, and full of character.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? You’ll be happy to know this dish reheats beautifully. Store the baked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover it with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10–15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. To prevent the sauce from drying out, you can drizzle a little cream or milk over the top before reheating.
The fresh herb salad, however, is best eaten immediately for optimal crunch and flavor. If you want to prepare it ahead, keep the vegetables and dressing separate and toss them together right before serving.

Common Variations to Try

Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy depth and pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the cream mixture for a subtle heat.

Switch Up the Veggies: Try cauliflower, asparagus, or spinach instead of broccoli for a new twist.

Cheese Variations: Replace mozzarella with cheddar or Gruyère for a bolder flavor.

Low-Fat Version: Use light cream or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise for a lighter but still creamy texture.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs perfectly with light, crisp sides that balance its creamy richness. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables works beautifully. You can also serve it with roasted potatoes, garlic bread, or quinoa if you want something more filling. For beverages, a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon complements the creamy flavors wonderfully.

Health Benefits

This recipe isn’t just delicious — it’s loaded with nutritional benefits. Chicken provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and energy. Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable full of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins that promote strong immunity and good digestion. The combination of eggs and dairy provides calcium, vitamin D, and omega fatty acids. Even though it’s creamy, the balance of healthy fats and proteins makes it satisfying and energizing without being overly heavy. The fresh herbs in the salad offer anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, making this dish as nourishing as it is comforting.

Conclusion

This Creamy Baked Chicken with Broccoli and Fresh Herb Salad is the definition of balanced home cooking — simple, rich, and full of life. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something hearty yet quick, or for weekend dinners when you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting. Every layer — from the golden, cheesy top to the tender chicken and creamy sauce underneath — tells a story of honest, flavorful cooking. The bright herb salad on the side ties it all together beautifully.

Once you try it, you’ll understand why this recipe quickly becomes a favorite in every household — it’s reliable, nourishing, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for loved ones, it’s a dish that brings joy to the table and warmth to the heart.