Description
A delicious and hearty creamy bake featuring chicken, broccoli, and a blend of melted cheeses.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup milk
- 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- optional red pepper flakes, for added spice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken cubes with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until vibrant green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and milk. Whisk until smooth. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for added flavor if desired.
- Assemble the Bake: In a baking dish, layer the cooked chicken and broccoli. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Bacon: Remove from the oven, sprinkle crumbled bacon on top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to crisp the bacon slightly.
- Serve: Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for an hour before cooking.
- Substitute different cheeses such as gouda or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor profile.
- To make it a complete meal, serve with rice, pasta, or a crusty baguette.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if including spicy elements like red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving