Layered Chicken and Vegetable Casserole

This Layered Chicken and Vegetable Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering. Made with tender chicken breast, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal. Easy to assemble and bake, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

  • For the Casserole:
    • Bacon: 100 g (3.5 oz), chopped
    • Potatoes: 750 g (1.65 lbs), peeled and diced
    • Water: Enough to boil the potatoes
    • Salt: To taste
    • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
    • Mushrooms: 200 g (7 oz), sliced
    • Chicken breast: 450 g (1 lb), diced
    • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
    • Dried garlic: 1 teaspoon
    • Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
    • Black pepper: To taste
    • Bell pepper: ½, diced
    • Carrots: 1, grated
    • Sour cream: 150 g (5.3 oz)
  • For the Vegetable Garnish:
    • Butter: 30 g (1 oz)
    • Onion: 1, finely chopped
    • Bacon (leftovers): From above
    • Tomatoes: 2, diced
    • Bell peppers: 1, diced
    • Cucumber: 1, diced
    • Spinach: 1 cup, roughly chopped
    • Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
    • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
    • Zucchini: 1 small, diced
    • Lemon juice: 1 teaspoon
    • Garlic: 1 clove, minced

Directions

  • Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
    1. Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15-20 minutes).
    2. Drain and mash with a little olive oil, salt, and butter until smooth.
  • Cook the Chicken and Vegetables:
    1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and fry until crispy. Set aside.
    2. In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
    3. Add diced chicken breast to the skillet and cook until golden. Season with salt, dried garlic, basil, and black pepper.
    4. Stir in chopped onion, bell pepper, and grated carrot. Cook until softened.
    5. Mix in sour cream and simmer for 2 minutes.
  • Assemble the Casserole:
    1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
    2. In a greased baking dish, layer the mashed potatoes, followed by the chicken and vegetable mixture, and then mushrooms.
    3. Top with the cooked bacon and a sprinkle of cheese, if desired.
  • Bake the Casserole:
    1. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  • Prepare the Vegetable Garnish:
    1. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until translucent.
    2. Add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, spinach, and parsley. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
    3. Stir in zucchini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Serve:
    • Plate slices of the casserole with the sautéed vegetables on the side.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.
  • Pair with a light soup for a complete meal.
  • Drizzle with a little extra olive oil or garnish with parsley for presentation.

Cooking Tips

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
  • Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • Add grated cheese on top of the casserole for a crispy, cheesy crust.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Chicken Breast: High in protein and low in fat, promoting muscle growth and repair.
  • Potatoes: Provide carbohydrates for energy and are rich in potassium.
  • Vegetables: Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber for overall health.

Dietary Information

  • Gluten-free (ensure sour cream and seasonings are gluten-free)
  • Adaptable for dairy-free diets by using plant-based butter and cream.

Nutritional Facts (Per serving, assuming 6 servings)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Fiber: 4 g

Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Combines creamy, savory, and fresh flavors in one dish.
  • Great for meal prep or family dinners.
  • Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
  • A satisfying and balanced meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Conclusion
This Layered Chicken and Vegetable Casserole is a comforting and versatile dish, perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy potatoes, juicy chicken, and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Try it today and enjoy a cozy, homemade dinner with your loved ones!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
    Yes, sweet potatoes add a delightful sweetness to the dish.
  2. What can I use instead of sour cream?
    Greek yogurt or heavy cream are excellent substitutes.
  3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
    Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas and omit the bacon.
  4. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
    Ensure the vegetables are cooked and drained well before assembling.
  5. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
    Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
  6. What cheese works best for topping?
    Mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan are great options.
  7. How do I reheat leftovers?
    Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warm or use a microwave.
  8. Can I use canned vegetables?
    Yes, but drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
  9. What can I serve with this casserole?
    Pair it with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
  10. Can I freeze the casserole?
    Yes, freeze before or after baking. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Enjoy preparing and sharing this delightful casserole with family and friends! 😊