If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of bacon, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli in a luscious, creamy base, you are in for a treat with this Creamy Bacon, Chicken, and Broccoli Strata Recipe. This strata is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for brunch, lunch, or a cozy dinner. With layers of fluffy bread soaking up a decadent cheese sauce, every bite bursts with warmth and satisfaction. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a favorite to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and straightforward, yet they work together beautifully to create that irresistible texture and flavor combo in the strata. Each item plays a vital role, from the crispy bacon adding a smoky punch to the broccoli bringing vibrant color and nutrition.
- Chicken breast fillet (250 g / 8 oz): Cut into bite-sized pieces for tender, juicy chunks throughout.
- Bacon rashers (2): Diced to add savory, crispy bursts of flavor.
- Small brown onion (1, or 1/2 large): Diced to soften and sweeten the base.
- Broccoli florets (4 packed cups / 300 g / 10 oz): Adds freshness and a lovely green pop.
- Garlic clove (1): Minced to infuse aromatic depth.
- Olive oil (1/2 tbsp): For sautéing ingredients with a light fruity note.
- Butter (40 g / 1.3 oz / 3 tbsp): Creates richness and helps build the creamy sauce.
- Flour (1/2 cup): Essential for thickening the creamy béchamel layer.
- Grated cheese (1/2 cup): Choose tasty, cheddar, gruyere, or your favorite melting cheese for gooey goodness.
- Low fat milk (3 cups): The base of the smooth, creamy sauce that ties everything together.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Enhances garlic flavor evenly throughout the dish.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances and brightens all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and warmth.
- Thick slice white sandwich bread (3 to 4 slices): Cubed to soak up the creamy sauce and create a soft, custardy texture.
- Panko or breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): For a delightfully crunchy topping.
- Parmesan cheese (2 tbsp): Grated for an extra layer of savory crispness on top.
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped to garnish, adding a fresh, herbaceous note (optional).
How to Make Creamy Bacon, Chicken, and Broccoli Strata Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 180C (350F) to ensure it’s perfectly warm when your strata is ready to bake. Meanwhile, prep your chicken by cutting it into small, bite-sized pieces, dice the bacon and onion, mince the garlic, and chop the broccoli into florets if needed. Having everything ready helps everything go smoothly.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken, Bacon, and Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the bacon and sauté until it’s beautifully crispy and golden. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving that lovely rendered fat in the pan. Next, add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and soft. Then add the chicken pieces, cooking until they’re no longer pink and getting tender. Finally, stir in the broccoli and sauté just until it turns bright green and starts to soften. This step builds the robust flavor foundation for the strata.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux, cooking it for a minute to remove any raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook gently until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. Stir in the grated cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, allowing the cheese to melt and enrich the sauce. This creamy base is what transforms the strata into pure comfort food.
Step 4: Assemble the Strata
In a greased baking dish, spread a single layer of the cubed bread evenly across the bottom. Pour half of the creamy cheese sauce over the bread and gently spread it to cover every nook. Add half of the sautéed chicken, bacon, and broccoli mixture, distributing it evenly. Repeat layering with the remaining bread, sauce, and topping mixture, ensuring each layer is deliciously smothered in creamy sauce.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Top and Bake
Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer. This mix will create a golden, crispy crust that contrasts perfectly with the soft, creamy inside. Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the strata is set in the middle, bubbling around the edges, and beautifully browned on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to settle.
How to Serve Creamy Bacon, Chicken, and Broccoli Strata Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a mild herbaceous lift that brightens the rich, creamy layers underneath. You can also add a few extra shavings of parmesan for a salty finish that makes each bite pop.
Side Dishes
This strata pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted cherry tomatoes or a refreshing cucumber salad also complement the dish beautifully, balancing the creamy and savory notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in individual ramekins for an elegant touch at brunch or in a family-style baking dish straight from the oven for casual get-togethers. You can also turn this into a portable meal by baking it in muffin tins for nice single servings that are easy to grab on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover strata should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day meals or packed lunches. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze the strata before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding extra baking time if still slightly frozen.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick warm-up or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 160C (320F) uncovered to restore the crisp topping. A splash of milk before reheating can help revive the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for the strata?
Absolutely! While thick white sandwich bread is classic for soaking up the sauce, you can use sourdough or even whole grain for a nuttier flavor and a more textured bite. Just make sure it’s fairly sturdy to hold the custard well.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon and chicken. To keep the dish hearty, add extra veggies like mushrooms or roasted red peppers. You might also want to increase the cheese slightly for more richness.
What cheese works best in the Creamy Bacon, Chicken, and Broccoli Strata Recipe?
Tasty, cheddar, or gruyere cheeses melt beautifully and offer a nice sharpness that complements the creaminess. Feel free to experiment with your favorites, like mozzarella for milder flavor or a smoked cheese for added depth.
Can I prepare this dish entirely the night before?
Yes! You can assemble the strata, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next day when ready to serve. This helps the bread soak in the custard even more, intensifying the flavors.
How do I know when the strata is fully cooked?
The strata is done when it’s puffed up slightly, the top is golden brown, and the custard in the middle is set — it should look firm when you gently shake the dish. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Bacon, Chicken, and Broccoli Strata Recipe is such a wonderful way to bring comfort, flavor, and wholesome ingredients together in one beautiful dish. Whether you’re serving it for a weekend brunch or a cozy family dinner, it promises smiles all around the table. Give it a try soon and enjoy the delicious layers of creamy goodness, crispy topping, and perfectly balanced savory flavors.
Print
Creamy Bacon, Chicken, and Broccoli Strata Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 5 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy Bacon, Chicken and Broccoli Strata is a delicious bread bake perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dinner. Featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce baked into fluffy bread cubes, it’s a hearty and flavorful dish that combines proteins and vegetables in a creamy, cheesy casserole.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 250 g / 8 oz chicken breast fillet, cut into small bite size pieces
- 2 bacon rashers, diced
- 1 small brown onion (or 1/2 large), diced
- 4 packed cups (300g/10oz) broccoli florets
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Cheese Sauce
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 40 g / 1.3 oz / 3 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (tasty, cheddar, gruyere or any good melting cheese)
- 3 cups low fat milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Bread and Topping
- 3 to 4 slices of thick slice white sandwich bread, cut into 1cm / 1/3″ cubes
- 1/4 cup panko (or breadcrumbs)
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature while you prepare the strata components.
- Sauté Chicken, Bacon, and Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until it starts to crisp. Then add the chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink. Next, add the diced onion, broccoli florets, and minced garlic, cooking until the onion softens and broccoli is just tender. Set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes while stirring. Gradually whisk in the low fat milk to avoid lumps and cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Combine Ingredients and Assemble: In a large bowl, mix the sautéed chicken, bacon, vegetables, and the cubed bread. Pour over the cheese sauce and gently fold together until the bread is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, pressing it down evenly. Sprinkle the top with panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese for a crunchy golden topping.
- Bake the Strata: Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the strata is set in the center. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving if desired.
Notes
- Use thick sliced white sandwich bread for the best texture; stale bread works well to absorb the sauce without getting mushy.
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms based on your preference.
- Make sure to cook the chicken through before assembling the strata to avoid undercooked meat.
- Letting the strata rest after baking helps it to set and makes slicing easier.
- For a richer flavor, you may use whole milk instead of low fat milk.
