Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce and wholesome vegetables, perfect for a family meal.
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The combination of lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce made with Greek yogurt makes it a guilt-free comfort food.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy texture without the guilt
- Packed with protein and vegetables
- Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep
A Wholesome Family Meal
When it comes to family dinners, finding a meal that appeals to everyone can be a challenge. This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole is the answer to your mealtime dilemmas. It's packed with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt. This dish provides a delicious way to incorporate lean protein and essential nutrients into your diet, ensuring that everyone at the table leaves satisfied and nourished.
Not only does this casserole taste great, but it also serves as an excellent way to use up leftover chicken. Simply shred any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand, and save yourself time in the kitchen. With minimal prep work and a straightforward cooking process, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Nutritional Benefits
One of the standout features of this casserole is its nutritional profile. Packed with protein from the chicken and Greek yogurt, it supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full longer. The addition of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and green beans not only contributes to the dish's colorful presentation but also boosts its fiber content, aiding in digestion and promoting overall health.
Using whole wheat pasta instead of traditional white pasta adds an extra layer of nutrition. Whole wheat pasta is rich in fiber and essential nutrients, making it a healthier choice that complements the other wholesome ingredients. By choosing this healthier alternative, you are making a conscious decision to nourish your body while still enjoying a comforting and satisfying meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you’re looking to simplify your weekly meal planning, this casserole is a fantastic option. It can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days, making it a convenient choice for busy families or individuals. Simply make a larger batch on the weekend and portion it out for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Additionally, this casserole freezes beautifully. If you find yourself with leftovers or want to prepare meals ahead of time, you can easily freeze portions for later use. Just be sure to cool the casserole completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven for a warm and comforting meal in no time.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup whole wheat pasta, cooked
Mix all ingredients well before placing them in the baking dish.
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked chicken, broccoli, carrots, green beans, and cooked pasta to the sauce. Mix until well combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the top is lightly golden.
Serve
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthy casserole!
Serve warm and enjoy with your favorite side salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole is delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides for a more complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the rich flavors of the casserole and adds a refreshing crunch.
For a heartier option, you can serve the casserole with crusty whole-grain bread or rolls. This not only enhances the dining experience but also provides a satisfying way to soak up the creamy sauce. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving to elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor.
Storage Tips
To store any leftovers of this casserole, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, make sure to heat it thoroughly until it's piping hot throughout to maintain the best flavor and texture.
If you decide to freeze the casserole, it can be stored for up to three months. Label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This method ensures that the casserole retains its creamy texture and delicious flavors.
Customization Ideas
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand or prefer. Add bell peppers for a sweet crunch, or incorporate spinach for an extra nutritional boost. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability.
You can also modify the seasoning to match your palate. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Alternatively, experiment with different herbs like rosemary or basil for a unique flavor profile. Get creative and make this casserole your own!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables work well in this recipe. Just add them directly to the mixture.
→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge before baking.
→ Is this casserole gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
→ Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, you can add a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking for extra flavor.
Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce and wholesome vegetables, perfect for a family meal.
Created by: Ruby Lawson
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 sliced carrots
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup whole wheat pasta, cooked
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Add the cooked chicken, broccoli, carrots, green beans, and cooked pasta to the sauce. Mix until well combined.
Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the top is lightly golden.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthy casserole!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 30g