Cheesy Chicken Cabbage Casserole is a wholesome, comforting dish that perfectly blends the freshness of cabbage with tender chicken, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This hearty meal is easy to prepare and packed with protein, fiber, and calcium, making it a satisfying choice for lunch or dinner. The creamy texture from the sour cream and eggs, combined with the delicious cheesiness of mozzarella and Parmesan, makes this casserole irresistible for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a filling weekday meal or something special for guests, this casserole will not disappoint.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Cabbage: 1 medium-sized (about 800g)
• Eggs: 4 pcs
• Salt: 2 g (0.1 oz)
• Black pepper: 2 g (0.1 oz)
• Sour cream: 100 g (3.5 oz)
• Mozzarella: 150 g (5.3 oz), shredded
• Frozen chicken breast: 1 pc (about 250g)
• Onion: 1 pc, finely chopped
• Tomato: 1 pc, sliced
• Parmesan: 40 g (1.4 oz), grated

Steps How to Make It:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Thaw and Cook the Chicken: Begin by thawing the frozen chicken breast. Once thawed, season with salt and black pepper and cook it in a skillet over medium heat until the chicken is fully cooked through (about 10 minutes). After cooking, let it cool slightly and shred the chicken into small pieces.
2. Chop the Cabbage: While the chicken is cooking, wash the cabbage thoroughly and chop it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the cabbage for 3-5 minutes, just until it softens. Drain the cabbage and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Onion and Tomato: Finely chop the onion and slice the tomato into thin rounds.

Step 2: Make the Casserole Base

1. Egg and Sour Cream Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. This will be the creamy base that binds the casserole together.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched cabbage, shredded chicken, and chopped onion. Pour the egg and sour cream mixture over this and gently stir to combine everything well.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

1. Layer 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish with a little butter or oil. Start by spreading half of the cabbage and chicken mixture evenly at the bottom of the dish.
2. Mozzarella Layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the cabbage mixture to give the casserole a cheesy middle layer.
3. Layer 2: Add the remaining cabbage and chicken mixture on top of the mozzarella.
4. Tomato and Cheese Topping: Arrange the sliced tomatoes over the top of the casserole. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and all of the grated Parmesan over the tomatoes for a cheesy, golden topping.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the prepared casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the cheese has melted perfectly.
2. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to settle and makes it easier to serve.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Calcium: 220 mg
• Iron: 2 mg
• Vitamin A: 120% of daily value
• Vitamin C: 70% of daily value

This casserole provides a good balance of macronutrients with high protein from the chicken and eggs, and healthy fats from the cheese. The cabbage adds essential vitamins and fiber, making this dish both nutritious and filling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?
   • Yes, you can use fresh chicken breast instead of frozen. Simply cook the chicken the same way by seasoning it with salt and pepper and cooking in a skillet or oven until done.
2. Can I add other vegetables?
   • Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to cook or blanch the vegetables before adding them to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.
3. Is there a substitute for sour cream?
   • If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt or heavy cream as a substitute. Both will give a similar creamy texture.
4. Can I make this casserole in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it into the oven and bake as directed.

Tips for Making the Best Casserole:

• Shredded Chicken Tip: For quicker prep, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. This can cut down on time and still give you tender, flavorful chicken.
• Even Cheese Distribution: To ensure the mozzarella melts evenly, sprinkle the cheese evenly across the top and middle layers. This creates a perfect, cheesy bite in every slice.
• Avoid Overcooking the Cabbage: When blanching the cabbage, avoid overcooking it, as it will cook further in the oven. Softening it slightly is enough to maintain some texture in the casserole.
• Bake Covered for Softer Casserole: If you prefer a softer texture, cover the casserole with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking, then remove the foil to brown the top.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.
• Meal Prep: This casserole is a great meal-prep option. You can portion out servings into containers and refrigerate for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Conclusion:

Cheesy Chicken Cabbage Casserole is the perfect combination of savory flavors, creamy textures, and nutritious ingredients. With simple, wholesome components like cabbage, chicken, eggs, and cheese, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something special to bring to a family gathering, this casserole will become a favorite. It’s not only comforting but also provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Enjoy the hearty taste of this dish and feel free to customize it to suit your taste!