Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is comforting, low-carb friendly, family-approved, and perfect for meal prep. It combines smoky, creamy, and savory flavors in a single baking dish, making it both satisfying and easy to clean up.
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Creamy Chicken, Bacon & Cauliflower Bake: A Rich, Comforting One-Pan Meal with Low-Carb Appeal
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
A rich and comforting creamy chicken and bacon cauliflower bake, loaded with savory flavors and baked until bubbly and golden for a satisfying low-carb dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Steam or blanch the cauliflower florets for 4–5 minutes until just tender. Drain well.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme, and cook until lightly browned.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Fold in the cauliflower and crumbled bacon.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Drain cauliflower thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breast or thighs
Provide tender, protein-rich bites that stay juicy when baked in sauce.
Cauliflower florets
Replace traditional starches while soaking up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Bacon
Adds smoky depth, saltiness, and irresistible flavor throughout the dish.
Heavy cream
Creates the rich, velvety base of the bake.
Cream cheese
Adds thickness and extra creaminess to the sauce.
Cheddar cheese
Melts into the sauce and forms a golden, bubbly topping.
Garlic
Infuses the dish with warm, savory aroma.
Onion or onion powder
Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
Olive oil
Used to sauté and prevent sticking.
Salt
Enhances and balances all flavors.
Black pepper
Adds gentle warmth.
Paprika
Contributes subtle smokiness and color.
Fresh parsley
Adds freshness and contrast when serving.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and lightly greasing a baking dish. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp, then remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the chicken pieces in a little olive oil until lightly golden but not fully cooked. Remove from heat.
Steam or lightly blanch the cauliflower florets just until barely tender, then drain well. In a bowl or saucepan, combine heavy cream, cream cheese, garlic, onion or onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat gently, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Arrange the cauliflower and chicken evenly in the baking dish. Pour the cream sauce over the top and gently mix to coat. Sprinkle with cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Bake until bubbly, golden on top, and the chicken is fully cooked. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4–6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: about 50 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish reheats well and is ideal for meal prep. Freezing is possible, though the sauce may loosen slightly when reheated.
Variations and Customizations
Extra Cheesy Bake
Add mozzarella or Monterey Jack for more stretch and richness.
Spicy Chicken Bake
Add chili flakes or cayenne for heat.
Broccoli Swap
Replace cauliflower with broccoli florets or use a mix of both.
Herb Cream Sauce
Add thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for depth.
Ranch-Style Bake
Mix a small amount of ranch seasoning into the sauce.
Keto Bacon Ranch Bake
Combine bacon, cheddar, and ranch flavors for a keto favorite.
Mushroom Addition
Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy richness.
Garlic Lover’s Version
Increase garlic or use roasted garlic for deeper flavor.
Lightened Version
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Crispy Topping Option
Finish under the broiler briefly for a golden top.
FAQs
Is this dish low carb?
Yes, cauliflower replaces traditional starches, making it low carb.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, add it directly to the bake and reduce cooking time slightly.
Do I need to cook the cauliflower first?
Light pre-cooking prevents excess moisture and ensures tenderness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar melts well and adds bold flavor, but blends also work.
Will the sauce thicken as it bakes?
Yes, cream cheese and baking create a thick, creamy texture.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream, cheese alternatives, and omit bacon if needed.
Does this freeze well?
It freezes fairly well, though the sauce texture may change slightly.
Can I add vegetables?
Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms are great additions.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats beautifully and keeps well.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken, Bacon & Cauliflower Bake is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, smoky bacon, and cauliflower in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for low-carb dinners, family meals, or make-ahead comfort food, it delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Simple to prepare and endlessly adaptable, this bake is sure to become a dependable favorite in your recipe rotation.
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