Chicken and Cheddar Strata
Transform your breakfast or brunch routine with this hearty and comforting Chicken and Cheddar Strata! This savory bread pudding layers tender shredded chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, and day-old bread, all soaked in a rich custard made with eggs, whole milk, and a touch of heavy cream. Aromatic sautéed onions and garlic add depth, while a hint of paprika delivers a pop of color and flavor. Perfectly golden and puffed from the oven, this make-ahead dish is ideal for feeding a crowd with minimal effort. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness and enjoy a warm, cheesy slice that brings comfort and joy to every bite. Keywords: chicken strata, cheddar strata, savory breakfast bake, brunch casserole, make-ahead strata recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 6 eggs
- 2.5 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and cooked onion and garlic mixture.
Arrange half of the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with half of the shredded chicken and half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, chicken, and cheese.
Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the top of the layered ingredients, ensuring all the bread pieces are soaked. Gently press down on the layers with a spatula to help the liquid absorb.
Sprinkle paprika (if using) over the top for extra color and flavor.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the strata is puffed, golden brown, and set in the center.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6770 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 231.5 g | 297% | |
| Saturated Fat | 109.4 g | 547% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1957 mg | 652% | |
| Sodium | 11699 mg | 509% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 773.5 g | 281% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 51.2 g | 183% | |
| Total Sugars | 85.0 g | ||
| Protein | 394.4 g | 789% | |
| Vitamin D | 13.8 mcg | 69% | |
| Calcium | 3199 mg | 246% | |
| Iron | 62.1 mg | 345% | |
| Potassium | 4915 mg | 105% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
