Chicken & Vegetable Casserole with Mozzarella
Introduction:
This Chicken & Vegetable Casserole with Mozzarella is a comforting and wholesome dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy topping. It’s a perfect weeknight meal, as it’s easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. The combination of textures and flavors, from the juicy chicken and crisp vegetables to the melted mozzarella, makes this casserole a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful and satisfying: The medley of chicken, vegetables, and cheesy sauce creates a delicious and fulfilling meal.
- Easy to prepare: With minimal prep work and simple steps, this casserole is a breeze to make.
- Versatile: You can easily swap out the vegetables or use leftover chicken to customize the recipe.
- Family-friendly: This dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Chicken & Vegetable Casserole with Mozzarella
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, bell peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
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Make the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, milk, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
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Combine & Bake: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- Use leftover chicken: To save time, you can use cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken.
- Vary the vegetables: Feel free to use your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand.
- Add some spice: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Details:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 30-35 minutes
- Total time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be adapted for gluten-free diets
Notes:
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make your own using a gluten-free flour blend.
- Serving suggestions: Serve this casserole with a side salad or crusty bread.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
- Can I add other types of cheese? Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.
Conclusion
This Chicken & Vegetable Casserole with Mozzarella is a comforting and wholesome meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its easy preparation and delicious flavors, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy!
