Chicken & Vegetable Casserole with Mozzarella
Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and gooey melted mozzarella come together in this healthy, filling dish called Chicken & Vegetable Casserole with Mozzarella. It’s the ideal supper for hectic weeknights or family get-togethers since it strikes the proper combination of protein, veggies, and gooey cheese. This casserole is a satisfying one-dish supper that everyone will like. It’s also highly flavorful and simple to make.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Cheesy goodness: A frothy, golden layer forms on top of mozzarella cheese as it melts perfectly.
- Wholesome and Nutritious: Packed with of fresh veggies and lean chicken breast, this dish is both filling and nutrient-dense.
- One-Pan Wonder: Since everything bakes together in a single casserole, there are fewer dishes to clean.
Components
Regarding the casserole:
- Two sizable chicken breasts, sliced into small pieces
- one medium onion, chopped
- two minced garlic cloves
- one cup florets of broccoli
- One cup of carrots, sliced
- One sliced red bell pepper
- One sliced zucchini
- Two tsp olive oil
- One tsp of Italian spice
- To taste, add salt and pepper.
- 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Half a cup of chicken stock
- Half a cup of heavy cream
Topping:
- 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
- One tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley (optional)
Tools Required
- Big frying pan
- 9 x 13-inch baking pan
- bowls for mixing
- wooden spoon
Detailed Instructions
First, preheat your oven.
- Set an oven thermometer to 375°F (190°C) and coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.
Step 2: Let the Chicken Cook
- To sauté the chicken, use two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. When the chicken is browned and thoroughly cooked, add the pieces of chicken and simmer, stirring often, for about 5 to 7 minutes. To taste, add salt and pepper for seasoning.
- Set Aside: Take the cooked chicken out of the skillet and place it somewhere safe.
Step 3: Let the veggies cook
- Cook the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and garlic to the same skillet and sauté for a couple of minutes, or until they are soft and aromatic.
- Add Vegetables: Fill the skillet with the broccoli, carrots, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the vegetables and simmer for an additional five to six minutes, or until the vegetables are somewhat tender but retain some crunch.
Step 4: Get the casserole ready
- Combine Chicken and veggies: Put the cooked chicken and the sautéed veggies into a big bowl. Stir together the heavy cream and chicken broth. This concoction will give the casserole a creamy bottom.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Evenly put out the chicken and vegetable mixture in the baking dish that has been prepared.
Step 5: Include the cheese
- Layer of Mozzarella: Evenly distribute 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella over the casserole’s top.
- Parmesan Topping: For an extra cheesy, golden top, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.
Bake the casserole in step six.
- Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes in a preheated oven, or until the tops of the cheese slices are bubbly and browned.
Step 7: Present and Garnish
- Garnish: Before serving, let the casserole to cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. For a flash of color and freshness, garnish with finely chopped parsley (optional).
- Serve: Ladle large amounts onto plates, and savor the cozy, cheesy richness of this casserole with chicken and veggies.
The Greatest Recipes for Vegetable and Chicken Casserole
- Utilize Fresh or Frozen veggies: While fresh veggies are preferable, frozen ones can also be used. Just be careful to properly drain and defrost them to prevent over-moisture buildup.
- Add More Vegetables: You can change or add the vegetables you have on hand; green beans, mushrooms, and spinach are all good options.
- Cheese Variations: For added flavor, try combining mozzarella with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar if you’re a cheese fan.
In summary
- For every occasion, this chicken and vegetable casserole with mozzarella is the ideal comfort dish. It’s guaranteed to become a family favorite with its cheesy, creamy texture and healthy combination of chicken and veggies. This casserole is a fantastic one-pan solution for meal preparation for the week or making dinner for a large gathering.