There’s something truly magical about a dish that brings everyone together around the table, especially when it’s a delightful surprise like our Chicken Brunch Bake. Imagine golden-brown, cheesy goodness, brimming with tender chicken and savory vegetables, all held together in a creamy embrace. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug, a comforting start to any day, whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a bustling holiday morning.
My grandmother always had a way of turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary, and this recipe reminds me of those cherished mornings in her kitchen. I remember her saying, “Sara, the best dishes are made with love and a dash of creativity,” and that philosophy is baked right into this savory Chicken Brunch Bake. It’s the kind of dish that makes memories, filling your home with an irresistible aroma that calls everyone to gather ’round.
This incredibly satisfying Chicken Brunch Bake is wonderfully easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for everything from casual family get-togethers to special celebrations. My top tip? Don’t skimp on the cheese – it’s what gives this bake its incredible gooey texture and rich flavor!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting this delightful savory bake begins with a handful of wholesome ingredients like tender cooked chicken, day-old bread for texture, and a generous medley of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. It’s a harmonious blend that comes together beautifully in this Chicken Brunch Bake, promising a comforting and flavorful experience. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below, ready for your kitchen adventure!
How to Make Chicken Brunch Bake
Whipping up this savory Chicken Brunch Bake is simpler than you might think! It starts with a quick sauté of veggies, then layering them with chunks of cooked chicken and cubes of bread in a baking dish. A creamy egg and milk mixture, seasoned with Dijon mustard and spices, gets poured over everything, soaking into the bread. Finally, a generous topping of shredded cheese melts into golden perfection in the oven, creating a truly irresistible dish.
Chicken Brunch Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Spread the cubed day-old bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Scatter the shredded cooked chicken over the bread.
- Evenly distribute the sautéed onion, bell pepper, and spinach mixture over the chicken and bread. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
- Carefully pour the egg custard mixture evenly over the ingredients in the baking dish. Gently press down on the mixture with a spatula to ensure the bread soaks up the egg mixture.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the center is set (a knife inserted comes out clean), the top is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
Notes
Any cooked chicken (rotisserie, baked, or poached) works well.
Feel free to substitute other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or green onions.
Pro Tips for Making This Chicken Brunch Bake
Making the perfect Chicken Brunch Bake is all about those little details that elevate a good recipe to a truly unforgettable one. After years of experimenting in my own kitchen, I’ve gathered a few tricks I’d love to share with you.
Prep Ahead for Ease: To make your brunch morning extra relaxed, you can assemble the entire Chicken Brunch Bake the night before. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate, then let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking in the morning. This little shortcut makes entertaining a breeze!
My Secret Trick: I always recommend using day-old, slightly stale bread for this bake. It absorbs the creamy egg mixture much better than fresh bread, preventing a soggy bottom and ensuring every bite is wonderfully tender and custardy inside. It’s a game-changer for texture!
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your bake! Overbaking can dry out the chicken and make the eggs rubbery. Look for a golden-brown top and a set center, where a knife inserted comes out clean. The cook time for this Chicken Brunch Bake is about 45 minutes, but ovens vary, so trust your eyes.
Let it Rest: Just like a good roast, this savory bake benefits from a short rest after it comes out of the oven, usually about 10 minutes. This allows the creamy custard to fully set and makes for cleaner, more beautiful servings. Patience truly pays off!
Fun Variations for Chicken Brunch Bake
One of the things I love most about home baking is the freedom to get creative and adapt a recipe to suit your mood or what you have on hand. This Chicken Brunch Bake is wonderfully versatile, and here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary imagination:
Spice It Up
For those who love a bit of a kick, consider adding a pinch more red pepper flakes than the recipe calls for, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the egg mixture. My friend, who loves bold flavors, always asks me to include a finely diced jalapeño for an extra zing in her Chicken Brunch Bake.
Seasonal Vegetable Swaps
Embrace the seasons! While red bell pepper and spinach are fantastic, feel free to swap them out. Asparagus and mushrooms are lovely in the spring, or for a heartier fall version, try diced sweet potato (pre-cooked slightly) or butternut squash.
Cheese Choices
While cheddar and Monterey Jack are a classic combination, don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses. A sprinkle of smoked gouda or a sharper provolone could add a delightful depth of flavor. I once made a Chicken Brunch Bake with gruyere, and it was absolutely divine, adding a nutty richness that my family adored.
What to Serve With Chicken Brunch Bake
This savory Chicken Brunch Bake is quite satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a few simple accompaniments can truly elevate your brunch spread. It’s all about creating a balanced and delightful meal that feels both comforting and special.
I love serving this bake with a vibrant, fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette; the crispness provides a wonderful contrast to the rich and creamy Chicken Brunch Bake. For something a bit heartier, a side of roasted cherry tomatoes or a simple fruit salad with seasonal berries adds a touch of sweetness and freshness. And of course, a steaming mug of coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice is always the perfect beverage companion. For a quick serving idea, a simple garnish of fresh chopped parsley not only adds color but a hint of herbal brightness too!
How to Store Chicken Brunch Bake
After all the love that goes into making this delicious Chicken Brunch Bake, you’ll want to make sure any leftovers stay just as delightful! Proper storage is key to preserving its wonderful flavor and texture.
Refrigeration
Once completely cooled, transfer any leftover Chicken Brunch Bake to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. My personal tip? A light sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating in the oven brings it back to life with a lovely bubbly crust!
Freezing
Yes, you can absolutely freeze this savory bake! Once cooled, cut the Chicken Brunch Bake into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This is perfect for meal prepping and having a comforting meal ready in a flash!
Nutritional Benefits
This delicious Chicken Brunch Bake isn’t just about comforting flavors; it also offers some wonderful nutritional benefits. With lean cooked chicken and eggs, it’s a fantastic source of protein, helping you feel satisfied and energized. Plus, the fresh spinach and red bell pepper contribute essential vitamins and fiber, making this a truly wholesome and satisfying treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my philosophy of simple, real ingredients.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I use fresh chicken in this Chicken Brunch Bake?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook and shred or dice the chicken completely before adding it to the recipe. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a wonderful time-saver for this Chicken Brunch Bake.
Faq 2
What kind of bread works best for this recipe?
Day-old, slightly stale bread, like challah, brioche, or even sturdy sandwich bread, is ideal. It absorbs the creamy custard well without becoming mushy, perfect for a robust Chicken Brunch Bake.
Faq 3
Can I make this Chicken Brunch Bake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular bread with your favorite gluten-free bread. Ensure it’s slightly stale for the best absorption of the liquid in your Chicken Brunch Bake.
Faq 4
How do I know when the Chicken Brunch Bake is fully cooked?
The bake is done when the top is golden brown and puffed, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure the eggs are fully set.
Conclusion
There’s truly nothing quite like the satisfaction of a homemade meal, especially one that gathers everyone around the table with smiles. This Savory Chicken Brunch Bake with a Creamy Cheese Sauce is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create beautiful memories, one delicious bite at a time. I hope you’ll find as much joy in making and sharing this comforting dish as I do. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the warmth of your kitchen, and let this delightful Chicken Brunch Bake become a new favorite tradition in your home, filling it with love, laughter, and that irresistible aroma of sweet, sweet baking.