Get ready for a cozy dinner that’s bursting with flavor! my Creamy Bacon Chicken and Broccoli Bake is like a warm hug on a plate, blending tender chicken, crispy bacon, and vibrant broccoli, all topped with a crunchy, cheesy layer that will make your taste buds dance with joy! You won’t be able to resist going back for seconds—so let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients for Creamy Bacon Chicken and Broccoli Bake
Alright, let’s gather all the yummy ingredients for this Creamy Bacon Chicken and Broccoli Bake! You won’t need a treasure chest of items, just some simple, everyday ingredients that blend together to make this comforting dish.Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this tasty bake:
250 g (8 oz) of chicken breast fillet – Cut into small bite-sized pieces. Chicken breast works great with the creamy sauce!
2 bacon rashers – Diced.Because who doesn’t love the flavor of crispy bacon,right?
1 small brown onion (or half a large one) – diced.It adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
4 packed cups (300 g/10 oz) of broccoli florets – Small cuts to ensure they cook evenly. This bake is packed with veggies!
1 garlic clove – Minced. This brings in that aromatic punch.
1/2 tablespoon of olive oil – For sautéing. It keeps things nice and non-stick!
Now, let’s get saucy! For the Béchamel Sauce, you’ll need:
40 g (1.3 oz or 3 tablespoons) of butter – The base of any good sauce!
1/2 cup of flour – This thickens up the sauce beautifully.
1/2 cup of grated cheese – You can pick your favorite melting cheese like cheddar or Gruyere.
3 cups of low-fat milk – This makes everything creamy without being too heavy.
1 teaspoon of garlic powder – Extra garlicky goodness!
1/2 teaspoon of salt – Just the right amount to enhance all the flavors. Black pepper – To taste, as a little bit of spice always helps!
for that irresistible topping, you’ll need:
3 to 4 slices of thick white sandwich bread – Cut into cubes. This gives you that crunchy layer on top.
1/4 cup of panko or breadcrumbs – For an extra crispy crunch!
2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese – Because cheese makes everything better!
* Fresh parsley, finely chopped – Optional, but it adds a nice pop of color!
So there you have it! Gather these ingredients, and let’s get cooking! Trust me; you’re going to love how they come together in this delightful bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare the Bake
Now that we’ve got all those delicious ingredients ready, let’s jump right into preparing our Creamy Bacon Chicken and Broccoli bake! Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a mouth-watering dish in no time!
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This is importent to get that crispy topping we all love!
- Cook the Chicken and Bacon: In a deep non-stick fry pan, heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil over high heat. Add the diced onions, minced garlic, and bacon. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onions are translucent and the bacon is nice and crispy.You’ll be tempted to taste it already, but hold on!
- Add the chicken: Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook just until the outside turns white. We’re not cooking it through just yet; we want it to stay juicy for the bake. Once done, transfer everything to a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce: In the same pan, wipe it clean and lower the heat to medium. Melt 40 g (3 tablespoons of butter), then add 1/2 cup of flour. Whisk it for about 1.5 minutes until it’s slightly golden. Gradually pour in 1.5 cups of milk,whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Then,stir in the remaining 1.5 cups of milk until it thickens to a pouring cream consistency. Add 1/2 cup of grated cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing until smooth.
- Assemble the Dish: In a baking dish, spread the broccoli florets evenly. Top it with the chicken and bacon mixture,then pour half of the béchamel sauce over everything. Add the bread cubes and drizzle the remaining sauce on top, using a spatula to press them down gently.
- Add the Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle the panko and Parmesan cheese on top for that golden crunch!
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until it’s bubbling and golden brown on top.
let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and get ready for some serious comfort food goodness! Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Crunchy Topping
Let’s make sure that our Creamy Bacon Chicken and Broccoli Bake has that irresistible, crunchy topping we all crave! I mean, who doesn’t want a golden, crispy layer to dig into? here are some helpful tips to help you achieve that ideal crunch:
- Choose the Right Bread: Using thick slices of white sandwich bread is key. The thicker the bread, the more texture it will add! Plus, it absorbs the creamy béchamel sauce without falling apart.
- Cutting Bread into Cubes: When you cut the bread into 1 cm cubes, make sure they aren’t too small. This allows them to hold their shape and soak up just the right amount of sauce without becoming soggy.
- use Panko Breadcrumbs: Adding panko breadcrumbs on top is a game-changer! Unlike regular breadcrumbs, panko is lighter and creates a delightful crunch when baked. It’s like the secret weapon for any bake!
- Cheese It Up: Don’t be shy with the Parmesan cheese! A sprinkle on top not only adds flavor but also contributes to that gorgeous golden crust. Who can resist a cheesy topping?
- Drizzle with Béchamel: When you pour the remaining béchamel sauce over the bread cubes, make sure to drizzle it evenly. This helps every piece to soak up some of that creamy goodness while still maintaining structure.
- Bake Until Golden: Keep a close eye on your bake as it cooks. You want to pull it out when it’s bubbling and the top is a lovely shade of golden brown. If you want an extra crunchy finish, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two, but watch it closely!
- Let It Rest: After baking, let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything settle and makes serving easier!
With these tips,your chicken and broccoli bake will have the perfect crunchy topping that everyone will rave about! Enjoy making this delicious dish,and don’t forget to savor that first bite of crunch!
Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions
Let’s talk about the nutrition packed into this Creamy Bacon Chicken and Broccoli Bake! Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a comforting meal that can fit into a balanced diet. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’re getting in each serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 429 cal |
| Protein | 28.3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 19.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.1 g |
| Sodium | 611 mg |
| Fiber | 2.8 g |
| Vitamin A | 1000 IU |
| Vitamin C | 78.4 mg |
| Calcium | 380 mg |
With about 430 calories per serving,this dish makes for a hearty meal that’s also packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the broccoli.Those nutrients help keep you feeling full and satisfied!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes time to serve, there are some fun and tasty ways to enjoy this bake! Here are a few of my favorite ideas:
Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad for a refreshing contrast. A simple vinaigrette really complements the creamy bake!
Garlic Bread: As, let’s be honest, can you ever have too much bread? A slice or two of garlic bread goes perfectly with this dish and soaks up the sauce.
Veggie Variations: if you want to sneak in even more veggies, feel free to toss in some carrots, peas, or even spinach. They’ll add color and nutrients without changing the flavor too much.
Leftovers: This bake reheats beautifully! If you have leftovers, just pop them in the microwave or oven for a quick and satisfying meal.
I hope you enjoy every bite of this comforting casserole! It’s a perfect option for busy weeknights or when you just want some hearty,home-cooked goodness. Enjoy!