Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a comforting casserole that combines smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and tender chicken with vibrant broccoli. This dish offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups blanched, chopped broccoli florets
• 6 strips cooked, chopped bacon
• ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a casserole dish with olive oil. Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four thin pieces.
2. Step 2: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer at the bottom of the casserole dish.
3. Step 3: Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
4. Step 4: Evenly spread the blanched broccoli florets over the chicken pieces.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the cooked, chopped bacon on top of the broccoli and chicken.
6. Step 6: Add the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bacon.
7. Step 7: Follow with an even layer of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
8. Step 8: Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• Blanch the broccoli before baking to keep its bright color and crisp-tender texture.
• For a lighter version, use turkey bacon and reduced-fat cheeses.
• Plant-based alternatives like tofu and vegan cheese work well for a vegetarian option.
• Mix in cauliflower florets along with broccoli for added variety.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for the best texture, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but it’s best to thaw and drain it well to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole watery.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear. The cheese should be melted and bubbly as a good visual indicator.

Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 98 reviews

This Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a deliciously comforting baked casserole that combines tender chicken breasts with smoky bacon, vibrant blanched broccoli, and a gooey blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs, this dish offers a harmonious mix of flavors and textures, from the crisp bacon to the creamy melted cheese, making it a satisfying family-friendly meal with a touch of indulgence.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large chicken breasts (sliced in half to create 4 thin pieces)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched and chopped
• 6 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
• ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp preferred)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a casserole dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the two large chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four thinner pieces. Arrange these chicken pieces evenly at the bottom of the greased casserole dish.
3. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning generously over both sides of the chicken breasts to infuse robust flavor into the meat.
4. Add Broccoli: Evenly distribute the blanched and chopped broccoli florets over the seasoned chicken breasts, ensuring every piece gets a good amount of vegetable topping.
5. Add Bacon: Sprinkle the cooked and chopped bacon strips over the broccoli and chicken, adding a smoky, crispy texture to the dish.
6. Layer Cheeses: First, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top, then follow with a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese to create a creamy, cheesy crust once baked.
7. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Bake until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Notes

• Blanching the broccoli before adding it to the casserole preserves its bright green color and ensures a tender-crisp texture.
• Use thick-cut bacon for better texture and flavor contrast.
• Sharp cheddar cheese works best for a more pronounced cheesy taste; however, feel free to use reduced-fat cheese options to cut calories.
• Substitute chicken breasts with tofu for a plant-based version; plant-based bacon and cheese alternatives can also be used.
• Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly by checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer before serving.
• You can mix broccoli with cauliflower florets for added variety.

Keywords: Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken, baked chicken casserole, cheesy chicken dish, broccoli chicken bake, easy dinner recipe, comfort food