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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken fillets in the prepared dish, creating an even base layer for subsequent ingredients.
- Distribute the blanched broccoli evenly across the chicken, creating a vibrant green foundation that adds nutritional value and texture.
- Sprinkle chopped bacon over the broccoli, introducing a savory and crispy element to the dish’s flavor profile.
- Cover the entire surface with a generous blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, ensuring complete ingredient coverage.
- 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