Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken

Looking for easy baked chicken recipes? Do you like chicken and cream cheese together? Then, this Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken is a great choice! Super easy to make and uses simple ingredients. This chicken bake is low carb, high fat, KETO friendly, and gluten-free. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
• Flavorful Combination: The rich flavors of bacon, cream cheese, and cheddar come together to create an irresistible dish that everyone will love.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it with a side salad or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal. Great for any occasion!
• Healthy Option: Low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it suitable for KETO diets.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties; everyone will want seconds!

Tools and Preparation

To make the Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Casserole dish
• Olive oil brush or spray
• Cooking knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Casserole dish: A good casserole dish allows even cooking and helps retain moisture in the chicken.
• Olive oil brush or spray: Using this tool makes greasing the dish quick and easy, ensuring your chicken doesn’t stick.
• Cooking knife: A sharp knife ensures safe slicing of ingredients like chicken and cream cheese with precision.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Bake

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 chicken breasts (use 4 thin chicken breasts, or use 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally)
• salt and pepper
• 6 oz cream cheese (cold, refrigerated, sliced into 8 slices)
• 8 strips Turkey Bacon (cooked, chopped)
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)

How to Make Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly throughout.

Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Dish

Grease the bottom of your casserole dish with olive oil using a brush or spray. A 13-inch x 9-inch x 4-inch deep oval casserole dish works well for this recipe.

Step 3: Add Chicken Breasts

Place the chicken breasts into the greased casserole dish. If you’re using large thick breasts, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner pieces.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken breasts. This step enhances the flavor of your dish.

Step 5: Layer with Cream Cheese

Top each piece of chicken with slices of cold cream cheese. Make sure it’s straight from the fridge for easy layering.

Step 6: Add Turkey Bacon

Sprinkle the chopped cooked Turkey Bacon over the cream cheese layer. Ensure it’s drained from excess fat for a healthier option.

Step 7: Finish with Cheddar Cheese

Generously top everything with shredded Cheddar cheese. This will melt beautifully while baking!

Step 8: Bake

Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for about 20-30 minutes. The cooking time may vary based on how thick your chicken breasts are; ensure they are fully cooked through before serving.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken!

How to Serve Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken

This Turkey Bacon, Cream Cheese, and Cheddar Chicken dish is versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

With Fresh Side Salads

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
• Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil.
• Spinach Salad: Baby spinach leaves tossed with sliced almonds, cranberries, and a light vinaigrette.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Fluffy White Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice for a simple side that absorbs the flavors.
• Cilantro Lime Quinoa: Quinoa cooked with lime juice and fresh cilantro adds a zesty twist to the dish.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Seasoned Zucchini: Oven-roasted zucchini seasoned with garlic powder and Italian herbs for a tasty veggie side.
• Mixed Bell Peppers: Sweet bell peppers roasted until tender make a colorful addition to your plate.

How to Perfect Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken

For the best results in making your Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken dish, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your chicken turns out juicy and flavorful every time.

• Use Cold Cream Cheese: Starting with cold cream cheese helps it maintain its shape while baking.
• Cook Turkey Bacon Crispy: Ensure the turkey bacon is crispy before adding it to the dish for added texture.
• Check Chicken Thickness: Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your chicken breasts for even cooking.
• Let Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking; this keeps it juicy.

Best Side Dishes for Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken

Pairing sides with your Turkey Bacon, Cream Cheese, and Cheddar Chicken can enhance your meal. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic provide comfort and richness.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a healthy green element that contrasts well with rich flavors.
3. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing bite that balances the hearty chicken dish.
4. Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted until golden complement the savory elements of the main course.
5. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is sweet and pairs nicely with savory dishes.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes provides a delicious contrast to the salty bacon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make common mistakes when preparing Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken. Here are some to avoid for the best results.

• Using warm cream cheese: This can lead to uneven melting and a less creamy texture. Always use cold cream cheese straight from the refrigerator.
• Not seasoning the chicken: Skipping salt and pepper can result in bland chicken. Season generously before adding toppings.
• Overcrowding the casserole dish: Placing too many chicken breasts can cause uneven cooking. Make sure the chicken is spaced out for even heat distribution.
• Ignoring cooking time: Underestimating the cooking time may leave your chicken undercooked. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
• Not draining bacon fat: Leaving excess fat can make the dish greasy. Drain bacon well before adding it to the casserole.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken

• Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until warm, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken.

Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Yes! Regular bacon will work fine but may add more fat and calories.

What sides pair well with Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken?

Consider serving it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

How can I customize this recipe?

You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well and reheats easily, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Final Thoughts

Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients. This easy baked chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite!