Delicious Chicken Smoked Turkey Bacon Bake with Mozzarella and Parmesan
If you’re craving a meal that brings comfort, flavor, and a cozy vibe to your table, this Chicken Bacon Bake with Mozzarella and Parmesan is just what you need. Bursting with juicy chicken, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and melted mozzarella (plant-based) and parmesan (plant-based), this dish combines savory goodness with creamy textures for a satisfying dinner everyone will love. It’s a wonderful blend of rich flavors with a slightly crispy top, making every bite a delightful experience that feels like a warm hug.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This bake combines tender chicken and smoky smoked turkey bacon with gooey cheese for an irresistible, hearty dish.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of everyday ingredients that create a big impact on flavor and texture.
- Easy to Prepare: No complicated steps or fancy cooking techniques make it perfect for both beginner and seasoned cooks.
- Customizable: You can tweak the cheese, add veggies, or swap proteins to suit your preferences.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe wins over kids and adults alike, making it a go-to for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect Chicken Bacon Bake with Mozzarella and Parmesan, gather simple but flavorful ingredients that deliver a balanced taste and texture. Each component plays a critical role, from juicy chicken to creamy cheeses (plant-based), enhancing every bite.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless and skinless for easy cooking and shredding.
- Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a smoky, savory crunch that pairs beautifully with tender chicken.
- Mozzarella (plant-based): Brings the meltiness and creaminess that coats the dish perfectly.
- Parmesan (plant-based): Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty finish with a golden crust.
- Garlic (natural): Infuses flavor and aroma to lift the entire casserole.
- Diced onions: Provide sweetness and depth as they sauté gently.
- Tomato sauce (natural): The rich base that ties all the ingredients together.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and moistening, adding subtle fruitiness.
- Fresh basil or parsley: A fresh herbal touch that brightens the palate.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce: Slightly tangy for a punch of umami flavor.
- Natural gelling agent: Helps to set the bake nicely without overpowering the texture.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Essential to season and balance each bite.
Variations for Chicken Bacon Bake with Mozzarella and Parmesan
This recipe offers plenty of room for creativity and personalization. Whether you want to suit different dietary needs, try new flavors, or include more nutrition, adapting the bake is hassle-free and fun.
- Veggie Boost: Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a lively heat.
- Cheese Swap: Use a blend of your favorite plant-based cheeses to vary the creaminess and flavor profile.
- Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Crust: Add a crust or breadcrumb topping to give a crunchy texture or switch to gluten-free options.
- Herb Variations: Try rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a different herbal aroma and taste.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Bake with Mozzarella and Parmesan
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Smoked Turkey Bacon
Start by cooking the boneless chicken breasts in a skillet with a touch of olive oil until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Meanwhile, crisp the smoked turkey bacon separately until it reaches a desirable crunch. Once cooked, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and roughly crumble the bacon.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic (natural) with a little olive oil, stirring gently until fragrant and translucent. This step builds the aromatic base to complement the other ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled smoked turkey bacon, sautéed onions and garlic, tomato sauce (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, a sprinkle of sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the filling.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses and Natural Gelling Agent
Fold in shredded mozzarella (plant-based) and parmesan (plant-based) along with a small amount of natural gelling agent to help the mixture set well during baking. This ensures creamy consistency with just the right firmness.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle extra parmesan (plant-based) on top for a lovely crust, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling with melted cheese.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Bacon Bake with Mozzarella and Parmesan
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything cook more evenly and blend better.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken and bacon in batches if needed to maintain crispiness and proper sear.
- Let it rest before serving: Allows the flavors to settle for easier slicing and a better texture.
- Fresh herbs on top: Add chopped fresh basil or parsley after baking for a burst of color and freshness.
- Choose high-quality plant-based cheeses: Great melting cheese elevates the whole dish.
How to Serve Chicken Bacon Bake with Mozzarella and Parmesan
Garnishes
To add a fresh and vibrant finish, sprinkle chopped fresh basil, parsley, or chives over the hot bake. A little drizzle of olive oil or a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes also enhances the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This chicken bacon bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette or lightly sautéed green beans with garlic. Creamy mashed potatoes (plant-based) or roasted root vegetables offer a wonderful complement to the rich main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch or scoop generous portions over a bed of fluffy quinoa or rice for a whole meal in one plate. For a fun twist, present it alongside toasted garlic bread made with whole grain or gluten-free bread to soak up every saucy bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making your next meal even tastier.
Freezing
You can freeze the bake in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat plated servings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and bubbly, or use the microwave for a quicker option, covering with a microwave-safe lid to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor, making the bake even more succulent.
Is smoked turkey bacon a good substitute for regular bacon?
Yes, smoked turkey bacon offers a similar smoky flavor and satisfying chew with less fat.
Can this dish be made dairy-free?
This recipe already uses mozzarella (plant-based) and parmesan (plant-based), making it suitable for dairy-free diets.
What if I don’t have a natural gelling agent?
You can omit it, but adding a small amount helps the bake hold together better without affecting taste.
How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Fold in finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during Step 3 to include extra nutrients and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Bacon Bake with Mozzarella and Parmesan brings together simple ingredients with bold flavors in a comforting, cheesy bake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself after a long day, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try and enjoy all the rich, satisfying taste in every bite!
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Chicken Bacon Bake with Mozzarella and Parmesan
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Bacon Bake with Mozzarella (plant-based) and Parmesan (plant-based) delivers a comforting, hearty meal featuring tender chicken breasts, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and creamy melted cheeses. Enhanced with sautéed garlic and onions, tomato sauce (natural), and fresh herbs, it bakes to a golden, bubbling perfection. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish combines rich flavors with a slightly crispy top and offers simple preparation with versatile variations.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
Cheeses & Gelling Agent
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (plant-based)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan (plant-based), plus extra for topping
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup diced onions
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (natural)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish and mixing)
Sauces & Seasonings
- 1 cup tomato sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Cook the boneless chicken breasts in a skillet with a touch of olive oil until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Simultaneously, crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a separate pan until crunchy. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and roughly crumble the bacon.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Using the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic with a little olive oil. Stir gently over medium heat until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, forming an aromatic base.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked chicken, crumbled smoked turkey bacon, sautéed onions and garlic, tomato sauce (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute flavors.
- Add the Cheeses and Natural Gelling Agent: Fold in shredded mozzarella (plant-based), grated parmesan (plant-based), and the natural gelling agent. Mix carefully to ensure a creamy consistency that will set during baking.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle extra parmesan (plant-based) over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling with melted cheese.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even cooking and better blending.
- Cook chicken and smoked turkey bacon in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding and maintain proper sear and crispiness.
- Let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and the texture to firm up.
- Add freshly chopped basil or parsley on top after baking for added color and freshness.
- Choose high-quality plant-based cheeses for optimal melt and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken bake, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, comfort food, gluten free, baked casserole
