Creamy Bacon Chicken Broccoli Strata Recipe (Bread Bake)

Looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare? This Creamy Bacon, Chicken, and Broccoli Strata is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy families, bacon lovers, or anyone who enjoys a warm, cheesy baked dish packed with flavor and nutrients. Stratas—savory bread bakes made with layers of bread, eggs, and additional fillings—are always a hit at breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.

This recipe delivers creamy, cheesy goodness combined with crispy bacon, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli. It’s not only delicious but also an efficient way to use up leftover chicken and day-old bread. Read on to learn how to make this easy dish and get tips for perfecting your strata every time.

What Makes This Strata a Family Favorite?

1. Flavor-Packed Layers

Juicy chicken, smoky bacon, fresh broccoli, and gooey cheese—all packed between slices of bread—create layers of flavor in every bite.

2. Perfect for Any Meal

Whether served at breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this strata is versatile enough to fit any occasion or time of day.

3. Prep It the Night Before

Busy schedule? No problem. Prepare the strata the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it fresh when you’re ready.

4. Nutritious and Satisfying

Loaded with protein from chicken, bacon, and eggs, and fiber from broccoli and whole-grain bread, this dish fuels you with energy while packing a hearty punch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this creamy, dreamy bacon, chicken, and broccoli strata:

For the Strata:

• 6 slices of day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (preferably sourdough or whole grain for added texture and flavor)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 ½ cups fresh broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese, such as sharp cheddar or mozzarella
• Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

For the Custard:

• 6 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped parsley for a fresh finish
• Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

Step-by-Step Directions for Creamy Bread Bake Perfection

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

• If using raw broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside. This step ensures the broccoli will be tender after baking.
• Cook the bacon until crispy, drain on paper towels, and crumble.
• Shred the cheese and cube the bread.

Step 2: Build the Strata Layers

• Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Begin by layering half of the bread cubes evenly across the dish.
• Sprinkle half of the cooked chicken, broccoli, bacon crumbles, and shredded cheese on top.
• Add the remaining bread cubes, followed by the remaining chicken, broccoli, bacon, and cheese.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard

• In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
• Whisk until fully blended and smooth.

Step 4: Pour the Custard Over the Layers

• Slowly and evenly pour the custard mixture over the strata layers. Ensure all of the bread is soaked so it can absorb maximum flavor.

Step 5: Rest and Chill

• Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—or overnight for richer flavors and easier prep.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Remove the strata from the fridge, uncover, and bake for 40-45 minutes.
• Check for doneness by inserting a knife in the center—it should come out clean. For extra crispiness, broil the top for 1-2 minutes before removing from the oven.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

• Allow the strata to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes, if desired, and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness.

Tips for Strata Success

1. Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread may become too soggy. Day-old bread absorbs the custard better without falling apart.
2. Layer Strategically: Ensure even distribution of chicken, bacon, broccoli, and cheese to guarantee every bite is packed with flavor.
3. Customize It: Swap chicken for turkey, or add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra veggies.
4. Make It Ahead: Prepare the strata the night before and bake it fresh in the morning for easy mealtimes.

Why You’ll Love This for Busy Family Meals

This dish brings people together with its rich, layered flavors and hearty, satisfying texture. The convenience of making it ahead of time ensures it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights, while its decadent taste makes it a show-stopper at weekend brunches or potlucks.

Bake Your Strata Today!

Looking for a delicious way to bring comfort to your table? Whip up this creamy bacon, chicken, and broccoli strata, and you’ll have a guaranteed hit. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or a cup of coffee, and you’ve got yourself a meal everyone will rave about.

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