Chicken Bacon Broccoli Strata: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Chicken bacon broccoli strata: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy dish that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or a comforting weeknight dinner! Imagine layers of savory chicken, crispy bacon, tender broccoli, and gooey cheese, all nestled in a custardy bread pudding base. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone begging for seconds.

While the exact origins of strata are somewhat debated, it’s widely believed to be a variation of older bread pudding recipes, evolving as a way to use up stale bread and leftover ingredients. This resourceful approach to cooking has made strata a beloved dish in many cultures, adapting to local ingredients and tastes. Our chicken bacon broccoli strata is a modern twist on this classic, incorporating some of our favorite ingredients for a truly unforgettable meal.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of savory and comforting. The salty bacon and chicken complement the mild broccoli, while the cheesy, custardy base ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Trust me, once you try this chicken bacon broccoli strata, it will become a staple in your recipe rotation!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 8 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
• 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 6 slices bread, cubed (about 6 cups) – I like using sourdough or challah
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preparing the Chicken, Bacon, and Broccoli:

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to prep our main ingredients. This step is crucial for building the flavor base of our strata. Don’t skip it!

1. Cook the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook your chicken breasts. You can bake them, poach them, grill them, or even use leftover rotisserie chicken. I prefer baking because it’s easy and keeps the chicken moist. To bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken cool slightly, then dice it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat, or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Once the bacon is cooked, drain off the excess grease and crumble it into small pieces. I like to use kitchen shears to cut the bacon directly into the pan – less mess!
3. Prepare the Broccoli: We want the broccoli to be tender-crisp, so we’ll blanch it briefly. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn bright green and are slightly tender. Immediately drain the broccoli and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps retain the vibrant green color and prevents it from becoming mushy.
4. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic can ruin the whole dish.

Making the Custard:

Now, let’s create the creamy custard that will bind everything together. This is where the magic happens!

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is well combined. The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that complements the other flavors beautifully.
2. Add the Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of the Gruyere cheese and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Reserve the remaining cheese for topping the strata later.

Assembling the Strata:

Time to put it all together! This is where the layering begins, creating a beautiful and delicious strata.

1. Prepare the Bread: In a separate bowl, toss the cubed bread with the melted butter. This will help the bread toast up nicely and prevent it from becoming soggy.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the buttered bread cubes evenly over the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the cooked chicken, bacon, broccoli, and sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Sprinkle with half of the remaining Gruyere and cheddar cheese.
3. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining bread cubes, chicken, bacon, broccoli, onion and garlic mixture, and cheese.
4. Pour the Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layers of bread and ingredients. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s fully submerged in the custard. This is important for even cooking and a creamy texture.
5. Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard and the flavors to meld together. I highly recommend refrigerating overnight for the best results!

Baking the Strata:

Finally, it’s time to bake our masterpiece! The aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish. Bake the strata for 45-55 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
3. Rest: Let the strata rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a bit more and makes it easier to slice.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize your strata? Here are some ideas!

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and bacon for a vegetarian version. Add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a little bit of goat cheese would be delicious.
• Bread Choices: Use different types of bread, such as croissants, brioche, or even gluten-free bread.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the custard for a little heat.
• Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives would add a lovely flavor.
• Make it Ahead: This strata is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the strata with a side salad or fresh fruit for a complete meal. It’s also great for brunch or a potluck.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover strata can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
• Protein: 30-40 grams
• Fat: 25-35 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Chicken Bacon Broccoli Strata as much as I do! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Conclusion:

This Chicken Bacon Broccoli Strata isn’t just another casserole; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Seriously, the combination of savory chicken, crispy bacon, tender broccoli, and that cheesy, custardy base is pure comfort food perfection. If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to prepare, satisfying to eat, and guaranteed to impress, then you absolutely have to give this recipe a try.

But why is this strata a must-try? Beyond the incredible taste, it’s incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch, a potluck gathering, or even a simple weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken or that half-eaten head of broccoli wilting in your fridge. Talk about a win-win!

And the best part? You can easily customize it to your liking. Feel free to swap out the broccoli for other veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. If you’re not a fan of bacon (gasp!), you could use sausage or ham instead. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and bacon and add more vegetables. You could even throw in some sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Brunch Bliss: Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit and a mimosa for the ultimate brunch experience.
* Dinner Delight: Pair it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little kick.
* Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar would be delicious.
* Make it Ahead: Assemble the strata the night before and bake it in the morning for an even easier meal. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

I’m telling you, this Chicken Bacon Broccoli Strata is a game-changer. It’s the kind of recipe that you’ll make again and again, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. I’ve already made it three times in the past month, and each time it’s been devoured in minutes!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of this incredible strata. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear what you think! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] or leave a review on the recipe page. Let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to make this recipe even better. Happy cooking! I am confident that you will love this Chicken Bacon Broccoli Strata as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!