Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Casserole is a wholesome, comforting dish that combines tender chicken fillet, a medley of colorful vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potato, and paprika, all smothered in a rich, creamy sauce. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. The balance of protein, vegetables, and creamy sauce topped with melted cheese makes it a complete and satisfying meal. Easy to prepare and bake, this casserole is great for feeding a crowd or reheating for quick leftovers.
Let’s get started on making this hearty casserole!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 500g cauliflower (chopped into florets)
- 300g broccoli (chopped into florets)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 medium carrot (sliced)
- 1 paprika (chopped)
- 1 sweet potato (about 400g, peeled and cubed)
- 400g chicken fillet (cubed)
- 100g cheese (grated, cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/3 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 500 ml vegetable broth
- 100 ml milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/3 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
Steps to Make It:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and lightly salt it. Add the cauliflower and broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes until they are slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain the vegetables and set them aside.
- Peel and cube the sweet potato into bite-sized pieces. Slice the carrot, chop the onion, and paprika into small pieces.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken fillet and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sauté the chicken until it is golden brown on the outside and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes until the flour is lightly golden.
- Gradually add the vegetable broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk as you pour in the milk, creating a smooth sauce.
- Add the salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and ginger powder to the sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large casserole dish (9×13 inch or similar), layer the prepared vegetables—cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potato, carrots, onion, and paprika.
- Scatter the cooked chicken pieces evenly over the vegetables.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and vegetables, making sure it coats everything evenly.
- Top the casserole with grated cheese, spreading it across the top.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling, and the vegetables are fully cooked through.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve:
- Serve the cheesy chicken and vegetable casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. It pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Calcium: 200mg
- Iron: 2.5mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use other vegetables in the casserole? Yes, this casserole is versatile. You can substitute or add vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if needed for different vegetables.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
- Can I make this casserole without chicken for a vegetarian option? Yes, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables or a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas to make it vegetarian-friendly.
- What type of cheese works best for this casserole? Cheddar or mozzarella cheese works great for this recipe because they melt well and give a nice, gooey texture. You can also mix in Parmesan or Gruyère for a more complex flavor.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the casserole after assembling but before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Casserole:
- Blanch the Vegetables:
- Blanching the cauliflower and broccoli before baking ensures they are tender in the final dish without becoming mushy.
- Season the Chicken Well:
- Make sure to season the chicken well before cooking. This will add more flavor to the overall dish and help the chicken stand out against the creamy sauce and vegetables.
- Use Fresh Herbs:
- If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them! Fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley can elevate the flavor of the casserole. Add them to the sauce or sprinkle them on top before baking.
- Choose the Right Casserole Dish:
- Use a large enough casserole dish to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the dish can lead to uneven cooking of the vegetables and chicken.
- Let the Casserole Rest:
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce thicken and settle, making it easier to serve.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration:
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven. - Freezing:
You can freeze the casserole either fully assembled (before baking) or after it has been baked. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. - Reheating:
Reheat the casserole in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for quick reheating. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before warming.
Conclusion:
Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Casserole is a wholesome, nutritious dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich creamy sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep, providing a complete meal in one dish. The combination of flavors from the garlic, Italian herbs, and cheese makes this casserole irresistible, while the variety of vegetables adds texture and nutrition. This is an easy recipe to customize to suit your family’s taste, and it reheats well for leftovers, making it an excellent option for planning ahead.
Enjoy preparing this delicious casserole and serving it to family and friends for a cozy, satisfying meal!