Vegetable Chicken Casserole with a Fine, Creamy Sauce
- Total Time: 45mins
Description
This Vegetable Chicken Casserole with a Fine, Creamy Sauce is a perfect blend of hearty chicken, fresh vegetables, and a luscious, creamy sauce. It’s the ideal dish for a cozy family dinner, combining flavors and textures that everyone will love. With tender chicken breast, colorful peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, this casserole is both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- Zucchini: 200g, diced
- Red Pepper: 150g, diced
- Yellow Pepper: 150g, diced
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Frozen Broccoli Florets: 200g (thawed and drained)
- Chicken Breast Fillet: 400g, diced
- Parsley: 4 stalks, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- Salt: to taste
- Black Pepper: to taste
- Nutmeg Powder: a pinch (optional, for extra flavor)
- Cream: 200 ml
- Cream Cheese: 150g
- Grated Cheese: 75g (cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese you prefer)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the Vegetables:
- Cut the zucchini, red pepper, and yellow pepper into bite-sized pieces.
- Finely chop the onion.
- Prep the Chicken:
- Dice the chicken breast fillet into small cubes.
- Season the chicken lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Thaw the Broccoli:
- If using frozen broccoli, ensure it is thawed and drained well. If there’s excess water, pat it dry with a kitchen towel.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Sauté the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until it is no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the chopped onion until it is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the zucchini, red pepper, and yellow pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften but still retain their color.
- Finally, add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 more minutes.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine the cream and cream cheese over medium heat. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using).
- Continue to stir until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Mix in the Grated Cheese:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat, then stir in the grated cheese until it melts completely into the sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the Ingredients:
- In a greased baking dish, spread the cooked chicken evenly across the bottom.
- Add the sautéed vegetables on top of the chicken.
- Pour the Sauce:
- Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Use a spoon to spread it evenly so that the sauce covers the entire dish.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish:
- Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
- Sprinkle the top with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, either on its own or with a side of rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15mins
- Cook Time: 30mins
This Vegetable Chicken Casserole with a Fine, Creamy Sauce is a perfect blend of hearty chicken, fresh vegetables, and a luscious, creamy sauce. It’s the ideal dish for a cozy family dinner, combining flavors and textures that everyone will love. With tender chicken breast, colorful peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, this casserole is both satisfying and nutritious.
It’s simple to prepare, making it a great choice for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Plus, the ingredients are versatile, so you can adjust them based on what you have available. Let’s dive into how to make this comforting and delicious casserole!