Chicken Bacon Broccoli Casserole Recipe

This creamy, cheesy Chicken Bacon Broccoli Casserole is made with tender chicken breast, crispy bacon bits, and a rich cheddar sauce, ready in just 45 minutes. The bubbling golden cheese crust breaks open to reveal steaming, savory layers underneath. I make this whenever I need a comforting meal that feeds a crowd.

Why This Classic Works

I used to struggle with watery casseroles that turned into soup in the oven. The secret I found is pre-cooking the chicken and draining the broccoli well before mixing everything with the sauce.

This ensures every bite is rich and coating rather than soggy. My family loves how the smoky bacon cuts through the heavy cream cheese base, keeping the flavors balanced.

Chicken Bacon Broccoli Casserole Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How To Make Chicken Bacon Broccoli Casserole

1. Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook Chicken: Sear the cubed chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Make Sauce: Whisk the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder in a saucepan until smooth and slightly thickened.
4. Assemble Dish: Toss the cooked chicken and raw broccoli florets in the baking dish, then pour the creamy sauce evenly over the top.
5. Bake: Sprinkle both shredded cheeses and crumbled bacon over the mixture and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and browned.

Recipe Tips

• Cut Uniformly: Chop broccoli florets into small, even pieces so they cook through at the same rate as the sauce bubbles.
• Shred Your Own: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth melt, so grate blocks by hand.
• Drain Broccoli: If using frozen broccoli, thaw and squeeze out excess water completely to avoid a watery sauce.

What To Serve With Chicken Bacon Broccoli Casserole

Serve this rich casserole alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Roasted potatoes or garlic bread also work well to soak up any extra cheese sauce on the plate.

How To Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, though freezing is not recommended as the dairy sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using cooked rotisserie chicken speeds up the process significantly. Just skip the chicken cooking step and toss it directly with the broccoli and sauce.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
This dish is naturally low in carbs and high in fat, making it excellent for keto diets. Double-check your specific ingredients to ensure no hidden sugars are added.

Can I add pasta or rice?
You can stir in 2 cups of cooked pasta or rice before baking to make it a heartier meal. You may need to increase the sauce quantity slightly to coat the extra starch.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Total Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 8g
• Protein: 30g

Chicken Bacon Broccoli Casserole

Recipe by Emily Mitchell

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

45

minutes

Creamy, savory Chicken Bacon Broccoli Casserole combines tender chicken, fresh florets, and crispy bacon in just 45 minutes. Ideally suited for busy weeknights, this comforting bake requires minimal prep. The rich cheese sauce ties everything together perfectly.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

• Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Cook Chicken: Sear the cubed chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
• Make Sauce: Whisk the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder in a saucepan until smooth and slightly thickened.
• Assemble Dish: Toss the cooked chicken and raw broccoli florets in the baking dish, then pour the creamy sauce evenly over the top.
• Bake: Sprinkle both shredded cheeses and crumbled bacon over the mixture and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and browned.