Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Bacon-wrapped Cheesy Chicken Casserole, a decadent and visually stunning dish that will transport you to a cozy, elegant culinary haven. Crafted with love and artistry by Chef Crenn, this recipe transforms classic flavors into a gourmet masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, allowing you to bring a touch of refined comfort to your everyday meals.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon-wrapped Cheesy Chicken Casserole
Prepare to be enchanted by the irresistible combination of tender, juicy chicken, melted cheese, and crispy, savory bacon in this irresistible casserole. The visually stunning presentation, with its golden-brown bacon wraps and bubbling, luscious cheese, will captivate your senses and leave you feeling inspired to recreate this heavenly dish in your own kitchen. Indulge in the comfort and elegance of this cozy, yet refined, casserole that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
This Bacon-wrapped Cheesy Chicken Casserole features a thoughtful selection of high-quality, fresh ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. From the succulent chicken breasts to the rich, creamy cheese and the crisp, flavorful bacon, each component plays a vital role in creating a truly remarkable dish.
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Juicy, tender chicken is the foundation of this casserole.
- 12 slices of bacon – The crispy bacon wraps add a delightful salty-savory element.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – The melted cheese creates a luscious, gooey texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream – The rich cream adds a velvety smoothness to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Simple seasonings enhance the flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Protein: Turkey or plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Cheese: A blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gruyère — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Bacon-wrapped Cheesy Chicken Casserole
This Bacon-wrapped Cheesy Chicken Casserole comes together in just a few simple steps, allowing you to create a gourmet-level dish with minimal effort. Let’s dive in and explore the process.
Step 1 — Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then wrap each one tightly with 2 slices of bacon. Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken in the prepared baking dish.
Step 2 — Assemble the Casserole
In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Pour the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped chicken, making sure to coat each piece.
Step 3 — Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra crispy bacon topping, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
Step 4 — Serve and Savor
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve the Bacon-wrapped Cheesy Chicken Casserole hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or chives, if desired. Savor the harmonious blend of flavors and textures as you indulge in this comforting and elegant dish.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as a mix of cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella, for a more complex flavor profile.
- Herb Infusion: Elevate the dish by adding freshly chopped herbs, like thyme, rosemary, or oregano, to the creamy cheese mixture.
- Seasonal Vegetables: For a visually stunning and nutrient-rich twist, try incorporating roasted seasonal vegetables, such as asparagus, bell peppers, or broccoli, into the casserole.
- Breadcrumb Topping: Create a crispy, golden-brown crust by topping the casserole with a layer of seasoned panko breadcrumbs before baking.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh, crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of fluffy mashed potatoes for a well-rounded, comforting meal.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator, unbaked, for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed.
Nutrition Information
This Bacon-wrapped Cheesy Chicken Casserole is a wholesome, feel-good dish that combines the nourishing properties of chicken with the decadence of cheese and bacon. With a carefully curated blend of ingredients, this recipe offers a satisfying and balanced meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and inspired.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 506 kcal
- Protein: 48 g
- Carbs: 5 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Sodium: 1,064 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Bacon-wrapped Cheesy Chicken Casserole is the perfect make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While the cheddar cheese provides a rich, creamy texture, you can experiment with other cheese varieties to suit your taste preferences. A blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gruyère would also be a delicious option, offering a more complex flavor profile.
How can I make this casserole more nutritious?
To boost the nutritional value of this dish, you can try substituting the chicken with a plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh. Additionally, you can incorporate more vegetables, like roasted bell peppers, broccoli, or asparagus, to add fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While you can freeze the baked casserole, we recommend enjoying any leftovers within 4 days for the best texture and flavor. The creamy cheese sauce may separate slightly after freezing and reheating, but the dish will still be delicious.
How do I get the bacon extra crispy?
For an extra crispy bacon topping, simply broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time. Keep a close eye on it to ensure the bacon doesn’t burn. The high heat of the broiler will help the bacon reach that perfectly crisp texture.
Try These Next
- Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Casserole
- Bacon Wrapped Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Bake
- Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Fiesta Bake
Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Cheesy Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Bacon-wrapped Cheesy Chicken Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cream cheese, softened
8 slices of bacon
1 cup ranch dressing
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese mixture.
4. Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon.
5. Place the wrapped chicken in a baking dish and drizzle ranch dressing over the top.
6. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the chicken.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in ranch dressing for a few hours before stuffing.
Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg