Sizzling Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Weeknight dinners demand something special that tackles both flavor and nutrition in one fell swoop.

This crispy broccoli bacon cheddar chicken recipe delivers a mouthwatering combination of textures and tastes that will surprise your palate.

Salty bacon and sharp cheddar cheese create a perfect crispy coating for tender chicken breasts.

Broccoli adds a vibrant green crunch that complements the rich, golden exterior.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of savory and wholesome ingredients.

The dish comes together quickly, making it an ideal meal for busy households.

Savor every forkful of this irresistible chicken creation that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 485 kcal

Servings: 5

All Ingredients For Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken

• Chicken Breast: Select fresh, boneless cuts for even cooking and tender texture, ensuring no visible fat or discoloration.
• Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon for robust flavor and crispy texture when crumbled, preferring high-quality brands.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate natural chicken taste and create depth.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds aromatic warmth and complexity to the overall dish without overpowering other ingredients.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides tangy undertone and helps bind the creamy sauce with a sophisticated flavor profile.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky essence that complements bacon and chicken beautifully.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce base with rich mouthfeel.
• Cream Cheese: Adds velvety texture and slight tanginess to sauce, helping it bind smoothly.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, bold flavor and classic melting properties.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Contributes stretchy, mild creaminess to the dish's topping.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that provides bright, mild onion accent and visual appeal.
• Broccoli: Introduces nutritious green element with tender-crisp texture and earthy flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing chicken, providing healthy fat and preventing sticking.

Tools You’ll Use For Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken to golden perfection and developing rich flavor.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the complete chicken casserole.
• Mixing bowl: Needed to create the creamy sauce with smooth consistency.
• Sharp knife: Required for chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately season chicken and measure spices.
• Cheese grater: Optional for freshly grating cheese if not using pre-shredded varieties.

Steps To Cook Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

• Jazz Up the Chicken

Give your chicken a flavor explosion by rubbing it down with a killer combo of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.

• Create a Golden Sear

Fire up a skillet with some olive oil and dance that chicken around until it’s beautifully golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

• Whip Up the Creamy Magic

Blend heavy cream, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika into a smooth, dreamy sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing.

• Layer the Deliciousness

Spread steamed broccoli and crispy bacon bits over the chicken, then drench everything in your creamy sauce. Crown it with a generous sprinkle of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

• Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish in the oven and let it sizzle uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the chicken hits 165F and the cheese is bubbling with excitement.

• Serve and Celebrate

Scatter some fresh green onions on top and get ready to dive into a flavor explosion!

Tasty Tips For Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken

• Moisture Mastery: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in juicy flavor and prevents soggy texture.
• Bacon Brilliance: Crisp bacon beforehand for maximum crunch, and save some extra pieces for topping just before serving to maintain that irresistible crackly texture.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Let cheese sit at room temperature for smoother melting and more even coverage across the chicken, creating that dreamy golden blanket.
• Low-Carb Love: Swap cream-based sauce with Greek yogurt or use cauliflower instead of broccoli to make this dish keto and low-carb friendly without losing incredible taste.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream and cheeses with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a rich, creamy alternative that accommodates dairy-sensitive diners.

Serving Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this creamy chicken dish with fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Crisp and Fresh Companion: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy chicken.
• Low-Carb Love: Swap traditional sides with roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a lighter, vegetable-packed meal that complements the protein.
• Wine and Dine: Enhance the meal with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay that cuts through the dish's creamy texture.

Storing Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken For Later

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare chicken and sauce components up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in airtight containers inside the refrigerator to streamline cooking process.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Assemble entire dish before baking, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.
• Leftover Magic: Store cooled chicken in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in microwave or oven at 325F, adding splash of cream to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide remaining chicken into individual meal-sized containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain crisp texture.

Crispy Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken blends hearty protein with rich, creamy cheese and smoky bacon notes. Home cooks can easily craft this satisfying main dish that promises delicious comfort with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 ½ cups (375 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (125 ml) mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
• ½ cup (125 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) cream cheese, softened
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 ½ cups (375 ml) broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for seamless release.
2. Season Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry and coat comprehensively with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance flavor profiles.
3. Sear Protein: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, developing a rich golden-brown exterior on chicken pieces within 2-3 minutes per side, creating a robust flavor foundation.
4. Layer Dish: Arrange seared chicken in the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base for subsequent ingredients.
5. Craft Sauce: Whisk heavy cream, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika into a velvety, harmonious sauce that will infuse the entire dish with complex flavors.
6. Build Layers: Distribute steamed broccoli florets and crumbled bacon across the chicken, establishing a textural and nutritional foundation.
7. Sauce Application: Pour the cream mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring comprehensive coverage and flavor integration.
8. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses generously, creating a luxurious, melting cheese blanket.
9. Bake and Finish: Roast uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165F internal temperature and cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165F, avoiding overcooking which can make meat tough and dry.
• Cheese Distribution Strategy: Grate cheeses fresh for better melting and more even coverage, creating a uniform, creamy golden top layer.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or sour cream to reduce calories and carbohydrates while maintaining rich, creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 830 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg