Description
Crazy good casserole brings comfort and flavor to weeknight dinners, blending hearty ingredients into a mouthwatering meal. Cheese-topped layers and rich seasonings promise a delightful experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1/2 lb bacon
Dairy and Creamy Elements:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dice into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
- In a large skillet, crisp bacon over medium heat until golden brown and perfectly rendered, then drain on paper towels and roughly chop.
- Using the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and no longer pink in the center, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Combine sour cream, heavy cream, and cream cheese in a mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
- Fold broccoli florets, cooked chicken, bacon, and creamy mixture together, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Melt butter and mix with breadcrumbs, creating a crispy topping that will provide textural contrast.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole, then generously distribute the buttered breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is uniformly diced to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Pat bacon dry after cooking to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent excess grease in the final dish.
- Experiment with alternative protein options like turkey or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
- Cool casserole briefly before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken, enhancing overall taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg