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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake

  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy plant-based cheese sauce enriched with smoky smoked turkey bacon. Perfect for quick family dinners or meal prep, this bake is easy to make, nutritious, and customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts, diced into chunks
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup plant-based cream of mushroom soup (natural)
  • 1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based)
  • 1 cup milk or plant-based milk
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (natural)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper (natural), to taste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Cut fresh broccoli into florets. Dice the chicken breasts into even chunks to ensure uniform cooking and better absorption of the cheesy sauce.
  2. Cook the Chicken and Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the smoked turkey bacon pieces until crisp, then remove and set aside. In the same skillet with the rendered flavor, sauté chicken chunks until they are golden on the outside but still juicy inside. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Steam the Broccoli: Lightly steam the broccoli florets until bright green and just tender, maintaining a pleasant crunch and vibrant color.
  4. Make the Cheesy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together plant-based cream of mushroom soup (natural), plant-based cheese, milk or plant-based milk, natural gelling agent, and apple cider vinegar until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Assemble the Bake: Layer the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and smoked turkey bacon in a baking dish. Pour the cheesy sauce evenly over the ingredients, ensuring thorough coating for a luscious bake.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled dish for 25 to 30 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm broccoli florets to keep the dish crisp and vibrant.
  • Do not overcook the chicken in the skillet to maintain juiciness in the bake.
  • Choose a quality plant-based cheese for best melting and creamy texture.
  • Allow the baked casserole to rest before serving for optimal sauce consistency.
  • Adjust salt and pepper seasoning to taste before baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: cheesy chicken broccoli bake, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy casserole, family dinner, gluten free, easy recipe

Find it online: https://classicrecipehub.com/cheesy-chicken-broccoli-bake/