Cheesy Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Bacon
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
895 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cheesy Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Bacon
Description
The recipe starts by crisping chopped bacon in an oven-safe skillet and setting it aside with the softened diced onion and briefly cooked garlic. Broccoli florets are then sautéed until bright green. A roux is made in the same skillet by melting butter and whisking in flour, followed by gradual addition of milk and half and half, cooking until thickened. Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses are stirred in off heat until melted, forming a creamy cheesy sauce.
Cooked pasta shells, shredded chicken, bacon, onion, garlic, and broccoli are added to the sauce, seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper for balance. The casserole is topped with more mozzarella and baked at 350°F. After baking, it is briefly broiled to brown and slightly crisp the top layer of cheese, enhancing texture and flavor.
This casserole combines familiar comforting ingredients with a creamy sauce and fresh broccoli to add color and slight crunch. The interplay of crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tender chicken and pasta makes it suitable for a filling family meal.
The recipe offers several practical tips: chicken can be cooked ahead by pan-searing breasts seasoned with salt and pepper, and pre-cooked bacon, onion, garlic, broccoli, and pasta can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until assembly. The assembled casserole can be made ahead, refrigerated for up to two days, then baked. Letting the casserole cool slightly before baking helps ensure even cooking.
Ingredients
- 7 lices Bacon , chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion , diced
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli fresh florets
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk whole
- 1 1/4 cups half and half or heavy cream
- 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese , divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- 16 oz pasta shells cooked according to package directions, dried medium, box
- 2 1/2 cups chicken shredded
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. In a large, oven-safe skillet, cook bacon over MED heat until crisp. Remove to a plate, reserving grease in skillet. Remove all but 1 Tbsp of the bacon grease.
- To the same skillet, add diced onion and cook 4-5 minutes, until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute, stirring very often. Remove to plate with the bacon.
- Add broccoli to skillet and cook 2-3 minutes, until very bright green and heated through. Remove to plate.
- Add butter and melt, then add flour and whisk to combine. Slowly pour in milk and half and half, whisking until all flour mixture is incorporated. Cook, whisking very often, until mixture has thickened (about 5-10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 3/4 cups of mozzarella cheese and the 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add in cooked pasta, shredded chicken, bacon, onion, broccoli, salt and pepper. Stir until combined. Top with remaining 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake 15 minutes, then broil on HIGH for 1-2 minutes to brown cheese (optional). Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Cook chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper in the skillet until done, then shred and add in step 6.
- Pre-cook bacon, onion, garlic, broccoli, and pasta ahead and refrigerate to save time.
- Pre-grate cheeses and keep refrigerated until use for convenience.
- If assembling ahead, refrigerate the casserole covered up to two days; let it sit at room temperature 30 minutes before baking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 895 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 895kcal | 45% |
| Carbohydrates | 73g | 24% |
| Protein | 45g | 90% |
| Fat | 46g | 71% |
| Saturated Fat | 23g | 115% |
| Cholesterol | 158mg | 53% |
| Sodium | 1208mg | 50% |
| Potassium | 683mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1175IU | 24% |
| Vitamin C | 22.6mg | 25% |
| Calcium | 523mg | 52% |
| Iron | 2.2mg | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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