Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole is a delightful blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection in one dish.
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. It combines lean chicken breast with a variety of colorful vegetables, all enveloped in a light and creamy sauce.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A nutritious twist on a classic comfort food
- Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from veggies
- Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
A Nutritious Comfort Food
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole redefines comfort food by incorporating nutritious ingredients that nourish your body. Traditional casseroles can often be heavy and laden with unhealthy fats, but this recipe opts for low-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt and low-fat cheese. These substitutions not only reduce calories but also pack a protein punch, making this dish a wholesome option for family dinners.
By using fresh vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower, you enhance the nutritional profile of the casserole. These veggies are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to your daily intake of essential nutrients while adding vibrant colors and textures to the dish. It's a meal that satisfies cravings while supporting health goals.
Easy Customization
One of the best features of this casserole recipe is its versatility. Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what you prefer. Spinach, bell peppers, or even peas can make excellent additions. Additionally, you can experiment with different proteins, like turkey or tofu, to suit dietary preferences, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy a hearty meal.
If you're looking for a bit more flavor, consider adding herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or even a dash of hot sauce for a kick. Customizing this dish allows you to create a unique casserole that caters to your taste while still keeping it healthy and delicious.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This casserole makes an excellent choice for meal prep, allowing you to prepare a hearty dish that can be enjoyed throughout the week. After baking, simply portion out the casserole into airtight containers for easy grab-and-go meals. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, often tasting even better the next day, providing a convenient and satisfying lunch or dinner option.
In addition, this recipe freezes well, making it a great option for busy weeks. Just bake and cool the casserole, then store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven until hot, and you’ll have a wholesome meal ready in no time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup, low-fat
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded low-fat cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
Mix well and set aside.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Casserole
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cream of mushroom soup, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and then add the breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Serve
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthy creamy chicken casserole!
Serve warm and enjoy!
Storage Tips
To ensure your Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole stays fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3-4 days. When reheating, do so in an oven or microwave until thoroughly heated. If you find that the casserole has dried out a bit, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating to restore moisture.
If you've prepared a large batch and want to freeze some for later, make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It's recommended to label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long it has been stored. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole with a side of mixed greens or a simple salad for an added crunch and freshness. A light vinaigrette can elevate the meal by balancing the creamy texture of the casserole. You can also pair it with whole grain bread or rolls to soak up any leftover sauce.
For a fun twist, consider serving the casserole with a dollop of salsa or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top right before serving. These toppings can add brightness and a burst of flavor, making the dish even more enjoyable.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time.
→ Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly and store it for up to 3 months.
→ What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can use a homemade white sauce or any other canned soup you prefer, like cream of chicken.
→ Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese and a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole is a delightful blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection in one dish.
Created by: Lillian Hayes
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup, low-fat
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded low-fat cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cream of mushroom soup, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and then add the breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthy creamy chicken casserole!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 30g