Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection.
This casserole is not just about taste; it's also about nutrition. Packed with lean chicken and colorful vegetables, it's a dish you can feel good about serving your family.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy texture that satisfies your comfort food cravings
- Packed with nutritious ingredients for a wholesome meal
- Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables
A Wholesome Classic
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. It seamlessly blends tender, shredded chicken with vibrant vegetables, creating a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious. By using lower-fat ingredients like low-fat milk and cheese, you can indulge in the creamy texture without the guilt. It's a great option for busy weeknights or when you're looking to impress guests with minimal effort.
The combination of broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower not only adds a burst of color but also packs in essential vitamins and minerals. This casserole is a perfect way to introduce more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a rich and creamy meal. Plus, the ease of preparation makes it ideal for families or anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.
Customizable to Your Tastes
One of the best features of this casserole is its versatility. You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or even add grains like quinoa or brown rice for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients. If you have leftover veggies in the fridge, this is a perfect recipe to use them up, ensuring nothing goes to waste while creating a delicious meal.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to elevate the flavor profile. The options are endless, and you can tailor this dish to suit your family's preferences or dietary needs.
An Easy Make-Ahead Meal
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole is not only simple to prepare, but it also makes for a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can assemble the casserole in advance, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you're ready to eat. This makes it a great choice for meal prepping or for those nights when you don't have time to cook from scratch.
To freeze, simply prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, just bake it straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This culinary convenience ensures you always have a hearty and healthy meal on hand.
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) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded low-fat cheese
Mix all the ingredients well before transferring to a baking dish.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Casserole
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Add Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken mixture.
Healthy Ingredient Spotlight
The star of this casserole is undoubtedly the chicken, which is an excellent source of lean protein. It helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied, making it a perfect choice for a balanced meal. When combined with the rich nutrients found in the vegetables, this dish not only tastes good but also supports your overall health.
Using low-fat cream of mushroom soup and milk reduces the calorie count without sacrificing flavor, allowing you to enjoy a creamy dish that aligns with your healthy eating goals. The addition of seasonings like garlic and onion powder enriches the overall taste, making each bite a delight.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty whole-grain bread for a complete meal. The freshness of a salad can balance out the richness of the casserole, making for a satisfying dinner experience. You could also serve it with a side of brown rice or quinoa to enhance the fiber content, providing a wholesome and filling accompaniment.
For a touch of elegance, consider garnishing the casserole with fresh herbs like parsley or chives right before serving. Not only does this add a pop of color, but it also brings a fresh flavor that complements the creamy chicken beautifully.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe.
→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it the night before and bake it when you're ready to eat.
→ What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
You can use a homemade white sauce or a different cream soup such as chicken or celery.
→ Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection.
Created by: Sienna Brooks
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 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) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded low-fat cheese
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken mixture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 30g