Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This healthier broccoli chicken casserole is a comforting and nutritious dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy Greek yogurt sauce, it’s both satisfying and guilt-free.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the sauce evenly coats the chicken and broccoli.
- Step 2: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has melted and turned golden.
- Step 4: Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sauté the garlic and onion before mixing them in.
- Substitute cheddar with mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different taste.
- Add a handful of cooked quinoa or brown rice to make it more filling.
- Use low-fat Greek yogurt to keep the dish lighter without sacrificing creaminess.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. This casserole does not freeze well due to the Greek yogurt base.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken for this casserole?
This recipe calls for cooked chicken to ensure even cooking and to keep the casserole creamy. Using raw chicken would require adjusting cooking times and could affect the texture.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or a cream cheese-based sauce, though the dish may be richer and less healthy. For a dairy-free option, try a cashew cream or plant-based yogurt.
PrintHealthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a nutritious twist on a classic comfort dish, combining lean cooked chicken and fresh broccoli in a creamy Greek yogurt sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s simple to prepare, baked to bubbly perfection, and offers a delicious, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, lightly steamed
Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat or low-fat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed and the sauce is creamy.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli florets to the sauce. Gently stir to ensure the chicken and broccoli are fully coated with the yogurt mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the chicken, broccoli, and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this warm, comforting, and healthier chicken casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with low-fat sour cream if preferred.
- Lightly steaming the broccoli before mixing helps it cook evenly and retain its vibrant color.
- Feel free to add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: Healthy chicken casserole, broccoli casserole, Greek yogurt chicken bake, low-fat chicken casserole, easy chicken dinner
