This Chicken & Vegetable Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, potatoes, zucchini, and a creamy egg mixture topped with melted mozzarella. The combination of fresh vegetables and herbs makes this casserole both nutritious and satisfying. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week. Best of all, it’s easy to make with everyday ingredients.
Preparation Time
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 37 minutes
- Total: 57 minutes
Ingredients
For the Egg Mixture:
- 4 large chicken eggs
- ½ tsp salt
- 125 ml (½ cup) milk
- 113 g (4 oz) flour
- 28 g (1 oz) spring onions, chopped
- 28 g (1 oz) fresh dill, chopped
- Black pepper to taste
- 85 g (3 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
For the Vegetables & Chicken:
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 chicken fillet, diced
- 1 sweet fresh pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- 28 g (1 oz) olives, sliced
- 2 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes, chop the zucchini, onion, pepper, and garlic. Grate the carrot.
- Cook the Chicken & Vegetables: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken fillet, season with salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, zucchini, and sweet pepper for 4-5 minutes until they soften slightly.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, black pepper, and milk. Gradually add the flour, mixing until smooth. Stir in chopped spring onions and dill.
- Layer the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F). Grease a casserole dish with olive oil. Spread the diced potatoes at the bottom, then add the cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables. Pour the egg mixture over the top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole for 30 minutes at 180°C (360°F) until the top is set and golden brown.
- Add Mozzarella & Final Toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, add sliced olives and halved cherry tomatoes. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with extra dill or spring onions if desired and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for added texture.
Cooking Tips
- For a more flavorful egg mixture, add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika.
- You can substitute mozzarella with any melty cheese like cheddar or gouda.
- If you prefer crispier potatoes, pre-bake the diced potatoes for 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
Nutritional Benefits
- High Protein: Chicken and eggs provide a great source of protein, helping with muscle repair and overall health.
- Rich in Fiber: The vegetables, especially zucchini and potatoes, are rich in fiber, which aids in digestion.
- Essential Vitamins: Zucchini, peppers, and carrots are rich in vitamins A and C, supporting immune health.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour to make this dish gluten-free.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and increase the quantity of vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Low Carb Option: Substitute the potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb alternative.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, makes 6 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sugars: 4 g
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a balanced meal that combines protein, vegetables, and cheese in one dish.
- Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
- The addition of mozzarella and olives gives it a deliciously rich flavor.
- Versatile, allowing for ingredient substitutions based on your preferences.
Conclusion
This Chicken & Vegetable Casserole with Mozzarella is a simple yet flavorful meal that’s great for family dinners or meal prepping. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a cheesy topping makes every bite satisfying and comforting. Whether you’re looking for a healthy, balanced meal or something easy to throw together on a busy weeknight, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach. - Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives to make this dish dairy-free. - Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken can be used. Just shred it and add it to the casserole. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. - What can I substitute for zucchini?
You can use eggplant, yellow squash, or even more potatoes instead of zucchini. - How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture for a spicier kick. - Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables like carrots and peas work well. Just thaw and drain them before using. - Can I add more cheese?
Of course! You can increase the cheese quantity if you like a cheesier casserole. - How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?
Pre-bake the potatoes for 10 minutes, and make sure to drain any excess liquid from the sautéed vegetables. - What should I serve this casserole with?
It pairs well with a green salad, garlic bread, or a light soup for a more filling meal.