Say hello to your new favorite weeknight dinner: the Cheesy Loaded Chicken & Bacon Broccoli Bowl Bake. This recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food meal fariation fariation fariation fariation fariation fariation in one dish, layering juicy, seasoned chicken breast chunks and smoky, crispy cubed bacon with tender green broccoli florets over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. Smothered fariation fariation fariation fariation fariation fariation in an abundant blanket of melted sharp cheddar cheese, this bake is cooked until bubbly and golden. It checks every box for flavor, texture, and convenience—making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for busy families or weekend game days.
🛒 The Full Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 1 lb: Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks and seasoned (salt, pepper, garlic powder)
- 8 oz: Fresh broccoli florets
- 8 oz: Pre-cooked cubed bacon
- 2 cups: Cooked white rice (or brown rice)
- 12 oz: Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch glass baking dish or deep ceramic casserole bowl with nonstick cooking spray.
- Crisp the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed bacon pieces and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they are beautifully browned and ultra-crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper-towel-lined plate, keeping the grease fariation fariation fariation in the pan.
- Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet with the hot bacon renderings, drop fariation fariation fariation in your seasoned chicken breast chunks. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken develops a nice golden-brown crust and is fully cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Steam the Broccoli: Place the broccoli florets fariation fariation fariation fariation fariation in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave on high for 2 minutes just until tender-crisp and bright green, then drain.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread the 2 cups of warm cooked rice fariation fariation fariation fariation fariation fariation in an even layer across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Layer the seared chicken chunks and steamed broccoli evenly over the rice foundation. Scatter most of the crispy bacon pieces across the top.
- Cheese and Bake: Cover the ingredients completely with the 12 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, then sprinkle the remaining bacon pieces over the surface. Place fariation fariation fariation fariation fariation fariation in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is completely melted, bubbling, and gorgeous. Serve hot!