Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a rich, cheesy, and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with crispy bacon, tender broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese. This easy, oven-baked meal is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers a restaurant-quality dinner with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Delicious – A simple recipe packed with bold flavors.
- Family-Friendly – A hit with both kids and adults.
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – Perfect for those on a low-carb diet.
- One-Pan Meal – Fewer dishes and easy cleanup.
- Customizable – Swap cheeses, add spices, or mix in other veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh broccoli, chopped
- Cooked bacon, crumbled
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cream cheese, softened
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the Chicken – Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken – In a large skillet, cook the chicken over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Topping – In a bowl, mix chopped broccoli, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and cream cheese.
- Top the Chicken – Spread the broccoli mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Bake – Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/75°C internal temperature).
- Serve & Enjoy – Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Make It Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Extra Creamy – Mix in sour cream or ranch dressing.
- Different Cheese – Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or gouda.
- Lower Fat Option – Use reduced-fat cream cheese and turkey bacon.
- Grilled Version – Cook the chicken on the grill and melt the topping under the broiler.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Thaw and drain it well before using.
Do I have to cook the chicken before baking?
No, but searing it first adds flavor and helps it cook evenly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What sides go well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer.
How do I make it crispier?
Broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get a crispy cheese topping.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and coconut cream instead of cream cheese.
What’s the best way to ensure juicy chicken?
Don’t overbake—use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C).
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach make great additions.
How do I make it keto-friendly?
This dish is already keto! Just pair it with a low-carb side like cauliflower rice.
Conclusion
Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s packed with cheesy, smoky, and savory flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a meal-prep option, this recipe is a must-try. Enjoy a creamy, comforting dish with minimal effort!
PrintBroccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken
A rich and creamy baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a cheesy cheddar sauce with crispy bacon and broccoli. Perfect for a hearty family dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Topping:
- 1½ cups broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix heavy cream, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika until smooth.
- Assemble the dish:
- Sprinkle steamed broccoli and crumbled bacon over the chicken.
- Pour the cream mixture on top.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese over everything.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve warm!
Notes
- Swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
- Make it keto-friendly by serving with cauliflower rice or roasted veggies.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for 3 months.