Cheesy Chicken, Bacon, and Broccoli Bake
This Cheesy Chicken, Bacon, and Broccoli Bake is a comforting one-dish meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Created as a delicious way to enjoy broccoli while adhering to a low-carb diet, this casserole combines tender diced chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh broccoli, all enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. The layers of flavorful Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese create a golden, bubbly topping that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With just a few easy steps and a little bit of cooking, you'll have a hearty meal ready in no time. Plus, it's a great way to utilize leftover cooked chicken or bacon!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Broccoli
1 head (chopped, cooked)
Chicken breasts
4 (diced, cooked)
Bacon
7 slices (chopped, cooked)
Sour cream
3/4 cup
Cream cheese
4 tablespoons
Monterey Jack cheese
1 1/4 cups (grated)
Chicken stock
1 cup
Milk
1/4 cup
Ground pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon
Cheddar cheese blend
1/2 cup (grated)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons
Bacon grease
1/2 teaspoon (reserved (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil over medium heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream and milk until well combined.
4
Add the grated Monterey Jack cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
5
Mix in the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
6
Add the garlic powder, ground pepper, and reserved bacon grease (if using), and whisk until the sauce is completely smooth.
7
Pour the cheese sauce into the bottom of a rectangular glass casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
8
Layer the cooked and diced chicken, crispy bacon, and steamed broccoli over the cheese sauce, pressing gently to combine the layers.
9
Sprinkle the additional Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese, evenly over the top.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
11
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Chicken, Bacon, and Broccoli Bake!
Nutrition Information
25
Fat
32.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Chicken, Bacon, and Broccoli Bake?
It is a comforting one-dish casserole that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh broccoli in a rich, creamy cheese sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, this dish was specifically created as a delicious way to enjoy broccoli while adhering to a low-carb lifestyle.
How many calories are in this dish?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains about 32.5 grams of protein.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
It should bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 chicken breasts that are diced and cooked beforehand.
How much bacon is required for this recipe?
You will need 7 slices of bacon, chopped and cooked until crispy.
How is the broccoli prepared?
You should use one head of broccoli that has been chopped and steamed or cooked.
What types of cheese are used in the sauce?
The sauce uses Monterey Jack cheese and cream cheese for a smooth and creamy texture.
Can I use leftover chicken for this bake?
Yes, this recipe is a great way to utilize leftover cooked chicken or bacon.
What is the base of the cheese sauce?
The base of the sauce is made by boiling chicken stock and mixing it with sour cream and milk.
Do I need to add bacon grease to the sauce?
Adding 1/2 teaspoon of reserved bacon grease is optional but recommended for extra flavor.
What seasonings are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses garlic powder and ground pepper to season the cheese sauce.
What kind of cheese is sprinkled on top?
A blend of additional Monterey Jack, cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese is used for the topping.
What size baking dish is recommended?
The recipe suggests using a rectangular glass casserole dish.
How do I layer the ingredients?
Spread the cheese sauce on the bottom, then layer the chicken, bacon, and broccoli before adding the cheese topping.
Is there any milk in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of milk is used in the cheese sauce.
How much fat is in a serving?
There are 25 grams of fat per serving.
How much sour cream is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of sour cream.
Does the recipe use chicken stock?
Yes, 1 cup of chicken stock is used to start the sauce.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
You can use frozen broccoli as long as it is cooked or steamed before adding it to the casserole.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese for the topping.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 ingredients in this recipe.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
Is this a good meal for busy weeknights?
Yes, because it is an easy one-dish meal that can be prepared relatively quickly.
What flavor profile does this bake have?
It is a savory, cheesy, and hearty comfort food dish.
Can this be served at family gatherings?
Absolutely, its golden bubbly topping and familiar flavors make it a crowd-pleaser.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
Whisk the sauce after adding the cream cheese and spices until it is completely smooth.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include casserole, cheesy, low carb, comfort food, and easy recipe.