Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Bake

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). This ensures that the dish cooks evenly and the cheese melts beautifully.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to become hot but not smoking, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes. Once the oil is ready, add 1 diced onion to the skillet. Sauté the onion for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and softens. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure the garlic doesn't burn and becomes fragrant. After that, add 1 diced bell pepper to the mixture. Cook the bell pepper for another 3-4 minutes, or until it softens slightly and the colors brighten. The entire sautéing process should take around 8-10 minutes. Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the skillet from heat and set aside to cool slightly before combining them with the other ingredients in the next step.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with the chopped broccoli, shredded chicken, heavy cream, shredded cheese, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and additional flavor.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding cooked bacon bits or sun-dried tomatoes to the mixture. You can also substitute the chicken for turkey or add different vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for variety.