Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Discover a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy your favorite comfort food with this Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole.
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a light creamy sauce for a comforting dish that everyone will love. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich flavor from fresh herbs and spices
- Lightened-up creamy sauce that satisfies
- Packed with protein and veggies for a balanced meal
A Comforting Classic with a Healthy Twist
Casseroles are often synonymous with comfort food, and this Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole is no exception. By incorporating wholesome ingredients, we've taken a classic dish and transformed it into a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy sauce creates a delicious harmony that will please both your taste buds and your health goals.
The use of Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream lightens up the sauce without sacrificing creaminess. This not only contributes to a lower calorie count but also adds a protein boost, making it an ideal choice for families looking to eat healthier. The result is a dish that feels indulgent yet is packed with nutrients, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite comfort food guilt-free.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the great advantages of casseroles is their versatility. This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole can easily be adapted to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. If you're vegetarian, consider swapping the chicken for chickpeas or tofu, and you can still enjoy the same creamy goodness. For those who love spice, adding a dash of cayenne or some diced jalapeños can bring an exciting kick to the dish.
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables as well. Spinach, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes can be great additions that not only enhance the flavor but also increase the nutritional value. This adaptability makes the casserole a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you want to clean out your fridge and create a satisfying meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole is an excellent choice for meal prepping. It can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. Simply prepare the casserole, allow it to cool, and portion it out into individual servings. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it in the oven or microwave for a quick and nutritious meal.
Additionally, this casserole freezes beautifully. If you want to prepare a larger batch, divide it into smaller containers and freeze them for future use. Whether you're preparing lunches for the week or planning for a busy night, having this dish on hand ensures you always have a healthy meal ready to go.
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Casserole
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup, low-fat
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded low-fat cheese
Mix all ingredients thoroughly before transferring to the baking dish.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, carrots, celery, cream of chicken soup, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the chicken mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Add Toppings
Sprinkle the whole wheat breadcrumbs and shredded cheese evenly over the top.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthy meal!
Serve warm with a side salad or whole grain bread.
Nutritional Benefits
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole is not just delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. With lean chicken as the primary protein source, it provides essential amino acids that support muscle health. The inclusion of broccoli and carrots adds a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promoting overall health and digestion.
Using Greek yogurt instead of traditional cream not only reduces the calorie content but also increases protein intake, which can help in maintaining muscle mass and keeping you full longer. Overall, this casserole is a balanced meal that aligns perfectly with a healthy lifestyle.
Serving Suggestions
While this casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, consider serving it with a side salad or some whole grain bread for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the casserole, adding freshness and crunch to your plate.
For those looking to enhance the dish further, a dollop of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten the flavors. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can also add a zesty twist that elevates the entire dish, making it even more enjoyable.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers, where it can last for up to three months.
When reheating, it's best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before warming it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This helps retain the dish's creamy texture and flavor. For microwave reheating, cover it to prevent drying out and check frequently to ensure it's heated evenly.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, leftover turkey works great in this recipe!
→ Is there a vegetarian option for this casserole?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein.
→ Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
→ What can I serve with this casserole?
Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Discover a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy your favorite comfort food with this Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole.
Created by: Lillian Hayes
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients for the Casserole
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup, low-fat
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded low-fat cheese
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, carrots, celery, cream of chicken soup, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Pour the chicken mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the whole wheat breadcrumbs and shredded cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthy meal!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 28g