Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible broccoli bacon cheddar chicken recipe that promises to satisfy your deepest hunger.

Crispy bacon bits, melted cheddar, and tender chicken create a mouthwatering combination guaranteed to impress.

The creamy texture and bold flavors blend seamlessly in every single bite.

Protein-packed and incredibly delicious, this dish brings restaurant-quality cooking right to your kitchen.

Fresh broccoli adds a vibrant green crunch that perfectly complements the rich, savory elements.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to become the culinary hero of your dinner table with this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Ingredients for Broccoli Bacon Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein foundation for this delicious recipe.

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that provides nutritional value and a delightful crunch to the dish.

• Bacon, Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Ingredients that add rich, savory flavor and creamy texture to the chicken.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Spices that elevate the overall taste and complement the main ingredients.

• Olive Oil: Used to grease the baking dish and ensure the chicken doesn't stick during cooking.

How to Cook Bacon Cheddar Chicken the Easy Way

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish

Heat your oven to 400°F.

Coat a medium casserole dish with olive oil, ensuring every inch is covered to prevent sticking.

Use a paper towel to spread the oil evenly for a smooth surface.

Step 2: Slice and Season the Chicken

Carefully slice chicken breasts horizontally to create four thin fillets.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

The extra seasoning will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Step 3: Create Delicious Layers

Arrange the seasoned chicken fillets in the prepared dish.

• Chopped blanched broccoli
• Chopped crispy bacon

This layer adds vibrant color, crunchy texture, and rich savory notes to the chicken.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Goodness

• Mozzarella cheese
• Cheddar cheese

over the chicken, broccoli, and bacon.

The more cheese, the more delightful the dish becomes.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Place the dish in the oven, leaving it uncovered.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Look for bubbly, golden-brown cheese on top as a sign of perfect doneness.

The melted cheese and crispy edges will make your mouth water.

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Broccoli Flavor

• Cut chicken breasts horizontally to create thin, even fillets that cook quickly and absorb more flavor.
• Don't hold back on salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Briefly boil broccoli before adding to the dish to maintain its bright green color and crisp texture.
• Spread cheese evenly across the top to ensure every bite has a perfect cheese-to-chicken ratio.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking.

Reheating and Storing Bacon Chicken

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place chicken portion on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp the cheese.

Best Pairings for Broccoli Bacon Chicken

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Syrah, which complements the rich bacon and sharp cheddar flavors while cutting through the creamy cheese.
• Serve with Roasted Garlic Potatoes: Create a crispy, golden side dish that enhances the savory chicken by roasting small red potatoes with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil to balance the main course's richness.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted almonds, providing a fresh, tangy contrast to the hearty chicken and adding a refreshing element to the meal.
• Recommend Craft Beer Pairing: Choose an amber ale or hoppy IPA that stands up to the bold bacon and cheese flavors, offering a complementary taste profile that elevates the overall dining experience.

Twist Ideas for Bacon Cheddar Chicken

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace broccoli with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb version that maintains the same creamy, cheesy texture while reducing overall carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cheeses with nutritional yeast and dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts, providing a similar melty consistency for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Replace chicken with thick slices of grilled portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, maintaining the same layered cooking method and seasoning profile.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, reduce cheese quantity, and add extra herbs to enhance flavor while keeping the dish low-carb and high-protein.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap out mozzarella and cheddar for alternatives like monterey jack, provolone, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Just ensure they’re good melting cheeses.

• Is this recipe low-carb friendly?

Absolutely! This chicken dish is naturally low-carb and fits well with keto and low-carbohydrate diet plans. The broccoli provides nutrients without adding significant carbs.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the entire dish earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time when baking directly from the refrigerator to ensure it’s heated thoroughly.

What Makes Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken a Hit

• Slice chicken horizontally for quicker cooking and even seasoning, reducing overall preparation time and ensuring perfectly cooked protein.
• Combine crispy bacon, melted cheeses, and seasoned chicken with vibrant broccoli to create a mouthwatering dish that delivers maximum taste in every single bite.
• Packed with popular ingredients like bacon, cheese, and chicken, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner that satisfies diverse taste preferences.
• Using a single casserole dish and simple preparation techniques means less kitchen mess and easier post-meal cleanup, perfect for busy home cooks seeking convenience.

Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken delivers comfort and flavor in one irresistible dish. Crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and tender chicken combine for a hearty meal that satisfies you with classic, homestyle goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 6 strips bacon (cooked, chopped)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups broccoli florets (blanched, chopped)
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 400°F and lightly coating a medium casserole dish with olive oil, ensuring complete surface coverage.
2. Carefully butterfly the chicken breasts horizontally, creating four thin fillets. Generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance flavor depth.
3. Arrange the seasoned chicken fillets in the prepared dish, creating an even base layer for subsequent ingredients.
4. Distribute the blanched broccoli evenly across the chicken, creating a vibrant green foundation that adds nutritional value and texture.
5. Sprinkle chopped bacon over the broccoli, introducing a savory and crispy element to the dish’s flavor profile.
6. Cover the entire surface with a generous blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, ensuring complete ingredient coverage.
7. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling layer.

Notes

• Slice and season chicken breasts in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to save time during busy weeknights.
• For a lighter version, swap bacon with turkey bacon or omit entirely for a vegetarian-friendly adaptation that still offers incredible flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like Swiss, Gouda, or pepper jack to customize the dish’s taste profile and keep things exciting.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like sliced bell peppers or spinach underneath the cheese layer for a more complex and colorful meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg