Do-Ahead Chicken Leek Strata: A Flavorful and Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast or Brunch Casserole
Preparation Time: 5 hours 1 minute
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 5 hours 1 minute
Recipe Category: Poultry
Recipe Servings: 12
Calories per Serving: 359.3
Description:
This Do-Ahead Chicken Leek Strata is a fantastic, no-fuss breakfast or brunch dish that can be made the night before and baked when you’re ready to serve. The recipe combines tender chicken, creamy mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, fresh leeks, and a delicate dill seasoning, all layered between soft bread slices. It’s perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or any time you want to prepare a hearty, comforting dish without the morning rush. Whether you use leftover chicken or turkey, this recipe works equally well with either. The best part? It needs to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or up to 24 hours), allowing the flavors to meld and soak into the bread for maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 3-4 tablespoons |
| Leeks (cleaned and sliced) | 2 |
| Dry dill weed | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh dill weed (optional) | 2 teaspoons |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 2 cups |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 4-6 tablespoons |
| Eggs | 8 |
| Half-and-half cream | 4 cups |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Bread (stale or day-old) | 3-4 cups (about 12 slices) |
| Cooked chicken (diced or shredded) | 2 cups |
| Cooked bacon (crumbled) | 4 slices |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 359.3 kcal |
| Fat | 17.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 196.4 mg |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26.4 g |
| Fiber | 1.4 g |
| Sugar | 5.5 g |
| Protein | 22.5 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by greasing a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will ensure your strata comes out easily after baking and helps it to develop a golden, crispy crust on the outside. -
Cook the Leeks
In a medium saucepan, melt 3-4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the sliced leeks. Sauté the leeks for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become soft and tender. Once cooked, remove the leeks from the heat and set them aside to cool slightly. -
Layer the Ingredients
Now, it’s time to start layering the strata. Begin by placing half of the bread slices on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Make sure the bread is evenly distributed, covering the entire surface. -
Add the Chicken and Dill
Next, sprinkle the diced or shredded cooked chicken evenly over the bread slices. Follow with the dry dill weed (and fresh dill, if using), ensuring that the seasoning is evenly spread for a balanced flavor throughout the dish. -
Layer the Leeks and Cheese
Spread the sautéed leeks over the chicken, followed by 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Then, sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon evenly over the cheese, giving the strata a savory crunch. Finish by sprinkling 4-6 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the bacon. -
Top with Remaining Bread and Cheese
Place the remaining bread slices on top of the layered ingredients, ensuring that the dish is completely covered. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top, making sure it’s evenly distributed across the strata. -
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together 8 beaten eggs, 4 cups of half-and-half cream, salt, and pepper. The cream adds a richness that will make the strata incredibly tender and custardy once baked. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the bread, cheese, and chicken layers, ensuring that everything is soaked through. -
Refrigerate and Let It Rest
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours. This step allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture and meld the flavors together, creating a deliciously cohesive dish. -
Bring to Room Temperature
When you’re ready to bake the strata, remove the baking dish from the fridge and uncover it. Let the strata sit out at room temperature for about 1-1/4 hours. This will help it bake more evenly and prevent it from being too cold when it enters the oven. -
Bake the Strata
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the strata is golden brown on top and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be crisp and slightly puffed, while the inside should be moist and custardy. -
Let It Rest and Serve
After removing the strata from the oven, allow it to sit for 10 minutes to firm up. This resting time ensures that the strata holds its shape when you cut into it. Slice it into squares and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!
This Do-Ahead Chicken Leek Strata is a perfect dish for any occasion, from weekend breakfasts to holiday brunches. It’s easy to customize by swapping out the chicken for turkey or adding other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Its make-ahead nature means you can prep it the night before, leaving you with more time to enjoy the company of your guests or family. Don’t forget to set aside some leftovers for later—this strata reheats wonderfully and tastes just as delicious the next day!
