Gather ’round the table, friends — it’s time to indulge in a comforting casserole that’s bound to become a new family favorite. This Cheesy Chicken Bacon Alfredo Casserole is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that celebrates the flavors you crave. Tender chicken, crisp bacon, and a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce come together in every satisfying bite. Let’s dive in and discover the magic that unfolds when you combine these beloved ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Bacon Alfredo Casserole
This casserole is a true flavor powerhouse that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. The combination of juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and a creamy, melty Alfredo sauce creates a comforting and indulgent dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd or enjoy as leftovers throughout the week. With its easy-to-follow, chef-tested steps, you’ll be rewarded with reliable results and a dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
The key ingredients in this Cheesy Chicken Bacon Alfredo Casserole are boneless, skinless chicken breasts, bacon, Alfredo sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. These essential components come together to create a casserole that’s loaded with flavor and texture.
- 8 oz – Bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 2 lbs – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or cubed
- 2 cups – Alfredo sauce, homemade or store-bought
- 2 cups – Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup – Grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken or ground chicken (for a different texture)
- Cheese Blend: Cheddar and Parmesan (for a sharper, more pronounced cheese flavor)
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Bacon Alfredo Casserole
Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this delectable casserole:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and preparing the necessary ingredients. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it and set it aside. Slice or shred the cooked chicken breasts, and grate the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, Alfredo sauce, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir everything together until well incorporated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheese, ensuring that the entire surface is covered. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheesy, creamy goodness to set. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Flavor: Sauté onions or garlic and add them to the chicken mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
- Sauce Swap: Use a creamy mushroom or roasted red pepper sauce in place of the Alfredo for a unique twist.
- Crunchy Topping: Top the casserole with crispy fried onions or a buttery breadcrumb topping for added texture.
- Lighter Option: Use grilled or baked chicken instead of sautéed, and opt for a low-fat or reduced-fat Alfredo sauce.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and nourishing meal.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven as needed.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Nutrition Information
This comforting casserole is a satisfying and indulgent dish that’s loaded with protein, thanks to the chicken and bacon, as well as a creamy, cheesy sauce. While it’s not the lightest option, it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Each serving provides a hearty dose of comfort and flavor.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 505 kcal
- Protein: 44 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Fat: 31 g
- Sodium: 1,025 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, you can experiment with other cheese varieties that melt well, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Fontina.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
This casserole is a great make-ahead option. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this Cheesy Chicken Bacon Alfredo Casserole freezes beautifully. Bake the casserole, let it cool completely, and then wrap it tightly in foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten up the casserole, you can use a low-fat or reduced-fat Alfredo sauce, and opt for grilled or baked chicken instead of sautéed. You can also try using a combination of Greek yogurt and low-fat milk in place of the full-fat dairy.
Can I add any extra vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! This casserole is a great canvas for incorporating additional veggies. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli to the chicken mixture for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.
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Cheesy Chicken Bacon Alfredo Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Bacon Alfredo Casserole is a creamy, indulgent dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich Alfredo sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s a comforting meal that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
– 8 ounces penne pasta
– 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
– 2 cups Alfredo sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked bacon, Alfredo sauce, cooked penne, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
4. 4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. 5. Top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
6. 6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. 7. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
– This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
– You can substitute the chicken with any leftover meat or vegetables you have on hand.
– Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: casserole, chicken, bacon, Alfredo, comfort food