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, perfect for a nourishing family meal.
This casserole is not only healthy but also bursting with flavors. It's perfect for weeknight dinners and can be made ahead of time.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Creamy and comforting without the guilt
- Packed with nutritious ingredients
- Easy to prepare and bake in one dish
Nutritional Benefits of the Ingredients
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole is not just delicious; it's also packed with nutritional benefits. The use of shredded chicken provides a lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. Additionally, the incorporation of broccoli and carrots adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this dish a well-rounded meal for your family.
Greek yogurt is a star ingredient in this recipe, offering a creamy texture while being lower in fat compared to traditional cream. It's a great source of calcium and probiotics, which promote digestive health. By using low-fat ingredients, you can enjoy a creamy casserole without the guilt, making it a perfect option for health-conscious families.
A Simple One-Dish Meal
One of the best aspects of this Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole is its simplicity. With everything cooked in one dish, cleanup is a breeze, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. You can prepare the casserole in just a few minutes, pop it in the oven, and spend quality time with your loved ones while it bakes.
The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it to your family’s tastes. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or even add in some cooked quinoa for an extra health boost. This recipe encourages creativity in the kitchen, making it a fun way to involve your children in meal preparation.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This casserole is also a fantastic option for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer, making weeknight dinners easier. Simply prepare the casserole as directed, then cover it tightly to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven for a quick and satisfying meal.
Portioning this dish into individual servings can also help with portion control and make it easy to grab a healthy lunch on the go. By planning ahead, you can ensure that you have nutritious meals available, helping you stay on track with your health goals without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup low-fat cream of chicken soup
- 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 pasta, uncooked
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl before transferring to a baking dish.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broccoli, carrots, cream of chicken soup, Greek yogurt, half of the cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the uncooked pasta and mix well.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the casserole.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthy creamy chicken casserole!
This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
Pro Tips
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken soup.
Tips for the Best Casserole
To achieve the best results, make sure to use cooked chicken that’s shredded into bite-sized pieces. This will help the chicken mix evenly with the other ingredients and ensure every bite is flavorful. Additionally, don’t skimp on seasoning; adjust salt and pepper to your taste for a more personalized flavor.
If you're looking to add more vegetables, consider incorporating bell peppers, spinach, or peas. These not only enhance the nutritional value but also add vibrant colors to your casserole, making it visually appealing for both kids and adults.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers from this Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. For best results, cover the dish with foil if reheating in the oven to prevent it from drying out.
If you plan to freeze the casserole, consider freezing it before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you're ready to cook it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. This makes for a convenient meal you can pull out on busy days.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
You can add bell peppers, spinach, or peas for more color and nutrition.
→ Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free as well.
Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole is a delightful blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce, perfect for a nourishing family meal.
Created by: Sienna Brooks
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Casserole
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup low-fat cream of chicken soup
- 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 pasta, uncooked
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broccoli, carrots, cream of chicken soup, Greek yogurt, half of the cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the uncooked pasta and mix well.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthy creamy chicken casserole!
Extra Tips
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken soup.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 28g