Chicken bacon casserole

Recipe Name: Chicken Bacon Casserole
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Difficulty: Medium

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Introduction

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty dish that brings together the rich flavors of chicken, bacon, and cheese, then look no further than this Chicken Bacon Casserole. It’s the perfect meal to prepare when you’re in the mood for comfort food, and it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With creamy sauce, crispy bacon, tender chicken, and gooey cheese, this casserole is the definition of indulgence.

This recipe is versatile and can be easily customized to suit your personal preferences. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a weeknight meal, Chicken Bacon Casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights.

Ingredients:

• For the casserole:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra flavor)
  • 6 slices of bacon
  • 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus 1/2 cup for topping)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)

Optional Add-ins (Customize to Your Taste):

• 1 cup broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms
• 1/2 cup chopped spinach

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Cook the bacon:
  Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

• Cook the chicken:
  Using the same skillet, cook the chicken breasts over medium-high heat. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a boost of flavor. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. Once rested, cut it into bite-sized cubes.

• Prepare the pasta:
  While the chicken and bacon are cooking, boil the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it forms a creamy, flavorful sauce.

• Add the chicken, bacon, and pasta:
  To the sauce mixture, add the chopped chicken, crumbled bacon, and cooked pasta. Stir everything together, ensuring that the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.

• Transfer the chicken, bacon, and pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Use a spoon to spread it out evenly.

• Add cheese and optional breadcrumbs:
  Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. If you’d like a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

• Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. This allows the casserole to heat through and the flavors to meld together.

• After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. The casserole should be hot and the cheese should have a beautiful, melted texture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

• Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This gives the dish a chance to set and makes it easier to serve.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or additional crumbled bacon for extra flair, if desired.
• Serve with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips:

1. Make it ahead of time:
   You can prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling it in advance, covering it tightly, and storing it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake it, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking. Bake as directed.

2. Leftovers:
   This casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. Leftovers also freeze well for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until heated through.

3. Veggie Variation:
   Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms to make the dish more hearty and nutritious. Simply sauté the vegetables beforehand and mix them into the casserole.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

(Based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Vitamin A: 12% DV
• Vitamin C: 5% DV
• Calcium: 20% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

Conclusion

This Chicken Bacon Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, with layers of tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and melty cheese all baked together to perfection. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner, a holiday gathering, or as a dish for meal prep, this casserole will satisfy both your taste buds and your hunger. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that combines savory flavors with a simple and quick preparation method, making it perfect for any occasion.

Give this Chicken Bacon Casserole a try, and let us know how it turned out! You can also experiment with different add-ins or substitutions to make it your own. Whether you keep it classic or put your own spin on it, this casserole will become a go-to recipe that you can make time and time again.