Absolutely! Here’s a delightful recipe for a Cheesy Broccoli Bacon Chicken Casserole that’s not only scrumptious but also fits perfectly into a low-carb diet. I created this dish to tackle my newfound love for broccoli (yes, believe it or not, I used to despise it!) and to adhere to my parents’ dietary preferences. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the melding of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing!
Cheesy Broccoli Bacon Chicken Casserole
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| 1 | Broccoli |
| 4 | Chicken breasts |
| 7 | Bacon slices |
| 3/4 cup | Sour cream |
| 4 oz | Cream cheese |
| 1 1/4 cups | Monterey Jack cheese, shredded |
| 1 | Milk |
| 1/4 tsp | Ground pepper |
| 1/8 tsp | Garlic powder |
| 1/2 cup | Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese blend, shredded |
| 1/2 cup | Parmesan cheese |
| Bacon grease (optional) |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, heat chicken stock until it reaches a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream and milk until well combined.
- Next, add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring continuously until melted.
- Now, introduce the cream cheese into the mixture, stirring until it’s completely incorporated.
- To amp up the flavor, add in the garlic powder, ground pepper, and if you’re feeling indulgent, some bacon grease (totally optional but highly recommended!).
- Keep whisking the sauce until it’s velvety smooth and all the ingredients have melded beautifully.
-
Assemble the Casserole:
- Once your sauce is ready, remove it from the stove and pour it into the bottom of a rectangular glass casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
-
Layer on the Goodness:
- It’s time to layer on the goodness! Place the chicken breasts on top of the sauce, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Next, sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the chicken, creating a savory layer of goodness.
- Finally, arrange the broccoli florets over the chicken and bacon, making sure to cover the entire surface of the casserole dish.
-
Add the Cheesy Finish:
- Now, let’s amp up the cheesy goodness! Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese blend over the top of the casserole, ensuring a generous covering.
- For an extra cheesy kick, sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese, adding that perfect finishing touch.
-
Bake to Perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve this Cheesy Broccoli Bacon Chicken Casserole hot, straight from the oven.
- Each bite is a delightful combination of tender chicken, smoky bacon, crisp broccoli, and ooey-gooey cheese, all enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce.
This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting and satisfying on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies for the picky eaters in your life!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 726
- Total Fat: 50.7g
- Saturated Fat: 24.2g
- Cholesterol: 190.8mg
- Sodium: 735.9mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15.6g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5.8g
- Protein: 53g
So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in a hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious Cheesy Broccoli Bacon Chicken Casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite! 🥦🧀🥓
