Layered Chicken and Vegetable Casserole with Cheddar and Cream Sauce

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If you’re craving something satisfying, cheesy, and cozy, this Layered Chicken and Vegetable Casserole is your new favorite recipe. With tender bites of chicken breast, creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, two types of cheese, and a dreamy sour cream–egg base, it’s the perfect one-dish meal that brings everyone to the table.

This recipe transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a beautifully layered casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or lazy weekend meals. It’s also incredibly customizable, so you can swap in veggies or cheeses you have on hand.

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Comfort Food / European-Inspired

Ingredients

Protein and Base

Chicken Breast: 1 pound (500 g), diced or shredded
Eggs: 4 large
Sour Cream: 4 tablespoons (60 g)
Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons (30 g)
Flour: ½ cup (60 g)
Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped

Vegetables

Potatoes: 3–4 medium, peeled and diced
Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
Garlic: 1 clove, minced
Mushrooms: 3–4, sliced
Tomato: 1 large, sliced
Dill: 1 tablespoon, chopped

Creamy Sauce & Cheese

Cream: ½ cup (120 ml)
Flour (for thickening): 1 tablespoon
Hard Cheese: 3.5 oz (100 g), shredded
Cheddar Cheese: 3.5 oz (100 g), shredded (for topping)

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Dice or shred the chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika if desired. Sauté in a skillet with a little oil until fully cooked and lightly golden, about 6–8 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2: Boil and Mash the Potatoes

Peel and dice 3–4 potatoes. Place in a pot of salted water and boil until tender, around 15–20 minutes.

Drain well, mash until creamy, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sour Cream-Egg Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, mayonnaise, flour, and chopped parsley. Mix until smooth and set aside. This mixture will act as a custard to bind the casserole together.

Step 4: Prepare the Mushroom Cream Sauce

In a pan, melt butter or oil and sauté the onions until soft.

Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are golden.

Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of flour, stir for a minute, then pour in the cream. Add salt, black pepper, and chopped dill.

Simmer until thickened, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F) and lightly grease a baking dish.

Layer the ingredients as follows:

Mashed potatoes as the base layer
Sautéed chicken on top
Mushroom cream mixture
Sliced tomatoes
Shredded hard cheese
Pour the sour cream–egg mixture over all
Top with cheddar cheese

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Slice and enjoy warm, garnished with extra parsley or dill.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)

Calories: 490
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Calcium: 30% DV
Vitamin A: 22% DV
Iron: 18% DV

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Layered casseroles like this one are popular throughout Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Poland. They’re beloved for their heartiness, affordability, and flexibility. Combining boiled potatoes, sour cream, and dill with chicken and vegetables is a traditional approach that’s been reimagined in modern kitchens with added cheese and new textures.

These dishes are ideal for using up leftovers or turning everyday ingredients into a meal that feels special without being complicated.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

Comfort in Every Bite: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying
One-Pan Wonder: All your protein, carbs, and veggies in one dish
Meal Prep Hero: Makes a big batch that reheats beautifully
Kid-Approved: Familiar flavors with a cheesy top
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients go a long way
Great for Guests: Elegant presentation, crowd-pleasing flavor
Versatile: Customize with your favorite cheeses or vegetables
High-Protein: Keeps you full and energized
Seasonal Friendly: Use summer tomatoes or winter root veggies
Balanced Meal: You won’t need a side dish (but we have ideas!)

Health Benefits

This dish offers a great balance of macro- and micronutrients:

Chicken Breast: Lean, high-quality protein for muscle repair
Eggs and Cheese: Provide vitamin D, calcium, and brain-boosting choline
Potatoes: A great source of potassium and resistant starch
Mushrooms and Onion: Anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants
Garlic and Dill: Support immune health
Tomatoes: Packed with lycopene and vitamin C
Cream and Sour Cream: Provide calcium and satisfy hunger

When made with quality ingredients and balanced portions, this recipe is a delicious way to nourish your body.

Serving Suggestions

With a Fresh Cucumber or Garden Salad: Adds brightness
With Pickles or Sauerkraut: For contrast and tang
With Roasted Root Vegetables: Perfect for colder months
With a Light Soup: Like tomato, vegetable, or clear chicken
With Fresh Fruit for Brunch: Apples or grapes pair well
With Yogurt Dill Sauce: Drizzle for a creamy herb topping
With Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus: Adds greens to your plate
With Flatbread or Garlic Toast: Scoop up the creamy bits
With a Glass of Dry White Wine or Sparkling Water: Complements the richness
With Crème Fraîche or Labneh: For an elegant twist

Cooking Tips

Use Fresh Herbs: Dill and parsley brighten the whole dish
Grate Cheese Fresh: Avoids clumping and melts beautifully
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Sauté just until golden
Use the Right Potato: Yukon Gold or Russets are ideal
Let Cool Before Slicing: Keeps the layers neat
Use a Ceramic or Glass Dish: For even browning
Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance
Add a Crunchy Top: Use Panko or cracker crumbs for texture
Season Layers Lightly: Every component should be tasty
Try a Meatless Version: Add beans or lentils instead of chicken

Variations to Try

Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or cayenne
Vegetarian: Swap chicken for sautéed eggplant or lentils
Use Sweet Potatoes: For natural sweetness and color
Add Spinach or Kale: Boosts nutrients
Cheesy Crust: Combine breadcrumbs and cheese for a gratin-style topping
Smoked Chicken or Turkey: Adds depth
Greek-Style: Add olives, feta, and oregano
Add Dijon Mustard to Cream Sauce: For tang
Replace Cream with Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free option
Add Bell Peppers: For color and crunch

Conclusion

This Layered Chicken and Vegetable Casserole with Cheddar and Cream is comfort food at its finest—wholesome, cheesy, and packed with satisfying layers. Whether you’re serving your family, prepping for the week, or treating yourself to a homemade meal that warms the soul, this casserole brings flavor, balance, and joy to the table.

It’s flexible, budget-friendly, and endlessly delicious—exactly what a great home-cooked meal should be.

FAQ

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Yes! Just shred and layer as directed—saves time too.

2. Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use plant-based cream, cheese, and mayo alternatives.

3. Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze before or after baking. Thaw and reheat in the oven.

4. Can I use canned mushrooms?
Yes, just drain them well before sautéing.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make it GF.

6. What if I don’t have sour cream?
Use Greek yogurt or crème fraîche instead.

7. Can I omit mayonnaise?
Yes. It adds creaminess but isn’t essential.

8. Can I cook it in ramekins for individual servings?
Yes! Great for entertaining or portion control.

9. How long does it keep in the fridge?
Up to 3–4 days in an airtight container.

10. What can I substitute for dill?
Try thyme, basil, or tarragon based on your flavor preference.