Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering dish that combines the irresistible trio of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and juicy tomatoes in one incredible casserole! This American-style comfort food is about to become your new family favorite, promising a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing meal or a delicious way to use up leftover chicken, this casserole is your ultimate culinary solution.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes. Gently mix to distribute ingredients evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the cream mixture over the chicken, bacon, and tomato mixture, stirring to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top of the casserole.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil to help them brown and become crispy.
- Scatter the seasoned breadcrumbs over the cheese layer, creating a uniform topping.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the dish to set.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Use pre-cooked chicken for faster preparation - rotisserie chicken works wonderfully!
- For extra crispiness, cook the bacon until it's extra crisp before crumbling.
- Choose cherry tomatoes at peak ripeness for the best flavor burst.
- If you want a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- Make sure to let the casserole rest after baking to allow flavors to meld and set properly.
- For a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, then baked just before serving.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar or a blend for unique flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 360kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 115mg
