Sizzling Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe for Dinner Magic

Crispy bacon and melted cheddar can turn an ordinary broccoli chicken dish into something magical.

Comfort food meets culinary creativity in this hearty meal.

Sharp cheese adds incredible depth to tender chicken breasts.

Smoky bacon bits create irresistible crunch throughout each delicious bite.

Weeknight dinners need seriously tasty shortcuts like this simple recipe.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum flavor without complicated cooking techniques.

You’ll want to make this crowd-pleasing combination again and again.

Why Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken Is A Winner

• Quicken Weeknight Dinners: This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet meal in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving delicious, home-cooked food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion Technique: Combining crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender chicken creates a mouthwatering combination that satisfies multiple taste cravings in one single dish, guaranteed to impress everyone at the dinner table.
• Low-Effort Gourmet Cooking: By using simple searing and baking techniques, home cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results without advanced culinary skills, making this recipe accessible for beginners and experienced chefs alike.
• Nutritious Comfort Food Twist: Incorporating fresh broccoli adds nutritional value to a decadent chicken dish, balancing indulgence with healthier ingredients for a more well-rounded meal that doesn't compromise on taste.

Everything Needed For Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main dish, best when fresh and boneless.
• Bacon: Adds rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the chicken.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, smooth sauce base.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creamy thickness and tangy richness to the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, bold cheese flavor and melty texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers stretchy, mild cheese complement.

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and color, crisp when steamed.
• Green Onions: Provides fresh, mild onion garnish with bright color.

• Salt: Fundamental seasoning to enhance overall flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild spiciness and depth.
• Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic, savory background note.
• Onion Powder: Contributes subtle sweet-savory undertone.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing chicken with high smoke point.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy, sharp accent to cream sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky complexity to the dish.

Steps To Make Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or brush of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season The Chicken Like A Pro

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Pat the chicken dry and massage these magical seasonings all over both sides.

Step 3: Create A Golden Sear

Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. This is where the magic happens! Drop your seasoned chicken into the hot pan and let it dance for 2-3 minutes on each side until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. Transfer the seared chicken to your waiting baking dish.

Step 4: Whip Up The Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Dijon mustard
• Smoked paprika

Stir until the mixture looks like a dreamy, creamy dream.

Step 5: Build Your Flavor Tower

• Sprinkle steamed broccoli over the chicken
• Scatter crumbled bacon everywhere
• Pour the cream mixture generously
• Top with cheddar and mozzarella cheese

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven, leaving it uncovered. Let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken hits 165F (75C) internally and the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s hot and irresistible!

Smart Tips For Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken

• Sear for Golden Perfection: Lock in juicy chicken flavors by searing each side for 2-3 minutes, creating a beautiful golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture and adds rich, caramelized taste.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp white cheddar, gruyère, or pepper jack to personalize the dish's flavor profile and add exciting depth.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lower-carb option, and swap broccoli with cauliflower to make this recipe keto-friendly and diet-adaptable.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop bacon, steam broccoli, and season chicken in advance, allowing you to assemble this delicious meal quickly on busy weeknights or for meal prep.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165F, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat protein without drying out the meat.

How To Store Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken The Smart Way

• Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Keep the dish fresh by storing it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum.
• Seal tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• When reheating, warm gently in the oven at 350F to preserve the crispy texture and prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as the cream-based sauce and fresh vegetables may separate and lose their original creamy consistency when thawed.
• For best quality, consume the broccoli bacon cheddar chicken within the first two days after preparation.
• Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming refrigerated leftovers, such as unusual odors or mold growth.

Great Side Picks For Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc cuts through the richness of the cheesy bacon chicken, offering a refreshing contrast that cleanses your palate with each bite.
• Complement with Roasted Rosemary Potatoes: Herbal, golden potatoes provide a perfect starchy side that absorbs the creamy sauce while adding textural variety to the meal.
• Match with Tangy Apple Coleslaw: Crunchy, slightly acidic coleslaw balances the heavy, decadent flavors of the chicken, bringing a light freshness to the plate.
• Select Craft Beer Companion: A hoppy pale ale or amber beer works wonderfully, cutting through the creamy cheese and complementing the smoky bacon notes with its malty undertones.

Fun Ways To Switch Up Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Remix: Replace Dijon mustard with chipotle sauce, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Substitute cream cheese with feta, use oregano and thyme instead of garlic powder, top with kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Lean Green Protein Boost: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, add spinach alongside broccoli, incorporate quinoa for additional protein, and sprinkle with parmesan.
• Keto-Friendly Low-Carb Option: Skip broccoli, use cauliflower florets, increase bacon amount, add extra sharp cheddar, and include a dash of ranch seasoning for enhanced flavor.

Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken Questions Answered Simply

• What makes this broccoli bacon cheddar chicken special?

This dish combines multiple flavor powerhouses – crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, tender chicken, and creamy sauce – creating a protein-packed meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella work perfectly, you can experiment with swiss, monterey jack, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe low-carb friendly?

Yes, this recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. The combination of protein and cheese makes it perfect for those watching their carbohydrate intake.

• How can I ensure my chicken stays moist?

By searing the chicken first and then baking it in a creamy sauce, you’ll lock in moisture and prevent the chicken from becoming dry. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar thickness also helps ensure even cooking.

Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy broccoli bacon cheddar chicken delivers comfort and flavor in one delightful dish. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal that will make you crave seconds.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 ½ cups broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
• ¼ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 ½ 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

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Thoroughly dry the chicken pieces and generously season both surfaces with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring even coverage.
3. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully searing the seasoned chicken until a rich golden-brown crust develops, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
5. Create a luxurious sauce by whisking together heavy cream, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
6. Arrange steamed broccoli florets evenly across the chicken, then sprinkle crumbled bacon over the vegetables.
7. Gently pour the prepared cream mixture over the chicken, broccoli, and bacon, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Generously distribute cheddar and mozzarella cheeses across the entire dish, creating a rich, melty topping.
9. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F and the cheese becomes golden and bubbling.
10. Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped green onions, serving immediately while warm and aromatic.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness, crumbling it just before adding to the dish to maintain its crunchy texture.
• Consider using Greek yogurt or half-and-half as lighter alternatives to heavy cream for a lower-calorie version without sacrificing creaminess.
• For gluten-free adaptation, verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free and substitute any potential wheat-containing seasonings with pure spices.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg