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Tired of the same old chicken dishes? Meet your favorite new dinner — Broccoli Bacon Cheddar chicken — with only 4 grams of net carbs and 37 grams of protein per serving. It’s low-calorie, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and high-protein.
This recipe combines the wholesome goodness of broccoli, the savory delight of bacon, and the creamy texture of cheddar, all mixed with a tender, juicy chicken breast. It’s a dish that is going to tempt your taste buds, impress your family, and make your weeknight dinner a breeze.
I guess it’s pretty clear by now that I love it. The most attractive thing for me about this dinner is just how easy it is to make.
You just throw everything together, which also makes it very versatile.
Chicken is a staple in many households, and it’s not hard to see why. However, having chicken the same way over and over again can be boring. And who says healthy eating has to be boring?
In my broccoli bacon cheddar chicken recipe, chicken breasts serve as the perfect base. They are mild in flavor, allowing the robust tastes of bacon and cheddar to shine through.
Another great thing I love about chicken is its ability to absorb seasoning. A sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning not only enhances the flavor but also adds a layer of intense and complex flavor.
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Pin ItBacon and Cheddar
Now, let’s talk about the two main ingredients in this dish: bacon and cheddar. Could there be a more iconic duo?
These ingredients bring a depth of flavor and richness that elevates this dish. Bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch, while cheddar provides a creamy, tangy contrast that melts beautifully over the chicken and broccoli.
To make sure this dish stands out, I always recommend choosing high-quality ingredients.
Choose thick-cut bacon that crisps up nicely and offers a satisfying bite. For the cheddar, I recommend using a sharp variety that will stand out against the milder flavors of chicken and broccoli.
And, while there is also mozzarella in this recipe (there is no such thing as too much cheese, I’m sure you’ll agree on that with me), it adds a stretchy, gooey element that makes each bite irresistible.
Finally, let’s talk about broccoli. Broccoli isn’t just an afterthought. It’s the star ingredient that adds texture and a burst of color.
The best tip I can offer you regarding the broccoli is to make sure you blanche the broccoli before it goes into the casserole. This helps retain its vibrant green hue and tender-crisp texture, ensuring that it complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Ingredients and Substitutes
Olive oil (1 tbsp)
2 large chicken breasts – For a plant-based option, you can use tofu instead.
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Italian seasoning (1 tbsp) – Don’t skip this ingredient since it adds a lot of flavor.
Broccoli florets , blanched, chopped (2 cups) – You can also use cauliflower floret or a combination of broccoli and cauliflower.
Bacon , cooked, chopped (6 strips) – For a plant-based option, you can use plant-based bacon, or you can switch to turkey bacon to reduce fat and sodium content.
Mozzarella cheese , shredded (⅓ cup) – If you are following a plant-based you can choose a plant-based cheese. You can also choose reduced-fat mozzarella to cut down the calories without sacrificing flavor.
Cheddar cheese , shredded (1 cup) – Just like the mozzarella cheese, you can choose a reduced-fat version.
How to Make Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Grease a casserole dish with olive oil. Slice the chicken breasts in half, creating four thin pieces.
Step 2. Place the chicken breasts on the bottom of the casserole dish.
Step 3. Grab the seasonings (black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning) and season the chicken. Make sure you cover both sides.
Step 4. Place the broccoli florets on top of the chicken breasts.
Step 5. Place the cooked bacon on top of the chicken breasts and broccoli.
Step 6. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken breast.
Step 7. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top of the chicken breast.
Step 8. Put the casserole in the oven and bake (uncovered) for 20-25 minutes. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked, and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
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Pin ItSides for Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken
Here are some of my favorite sides to go along with this dish.
- Garlic mashed cauliflower. Creamy, buttery mashed cauliflower with a hint of garlic can complement the rich flavors of the chicken dish.
- Sautéed green beans. Lightly sauteéd green beans with almonds add a crisp texture and nutty flavor that balances the richness of the casserole.
- Green salad. Sometimes, a simple green salad with olive oil and vinaigrette is all you need to complete a meal.
Storage and Leftovers
To place it in the fridge, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, place the cooled casserole portions in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Once you are ready to eat it again, reheat it in the oven instead of the microwave. I’ve found that this helps maintain the dish’s quality.
Cover with foil to prevent the cheeses from drying out, and heat at 350F for about 15-20 minutes.
Other Easy Keto Recipes
- Keto Sesame Pork and Green Beans
- Buttered Cod
- Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
- One Pan Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken
Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large chicken breasts
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups broccoli florets blanched, chopped
- 6 strips bacon cooked, chopped
- ⅓ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Grease a casserole dish with olive oil.
- Take the chicken breasts and slice them in half horizontally. That will leave you with 4 thin chicken breasts to work with.
- Place chicken breasts on the bottom of the casserole, season with salt and black pepper, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Cover with chopped broccoli, bacon, mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the oven, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes until the chicken has cooked through completely.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
