This Chicken & Vegetable Casserole with Mozzarella is a wholesome, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and gooey melted mozzarella. It’s the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness, making it an ideal dinner for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This casserole is rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and a comforting one-dish meal everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy Goodness: Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a bubbly, golden layer on top.
- Wholesome and Nutritious: Loaded with lean chicken breast and fresh vegetables, this dish is as nutritious as it is satisfying.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean, as everything bakes together in a single casserole.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Set Aside: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Cook the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
- Add Vegetables: Add the broccoli, carrots, red bell pepper, and zucchini to the skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still have a bit of crunch.
Step 4: Prepare the Casserole
- Mix Chicken and Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. This mixture will create a creamy base for the casserole.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
- Layer Mozzarella: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Parmesan Topping: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella for an extra cheesy, golden top.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness (optional).
- Serve: Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness of this chicken and vegetable casserole.
Tips for the Best Chicken & Vegetable Casserole
- Use Fresh or Frozen Vegetables: Fresh vegetables are great, but you can also use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them properly to avoid excess moisture.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to swap or add vegetables based on what you have on hand—mushrooms, spinach, or green beans work well, too.
- Cheese Variations: If you’re a cheese lover, try mixing mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Chicken & Vegetable Casserole with Mozzarella is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With its cheesy, creamy texture and nutritious mix of chicken and vegetables, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a delicious, one-pan solution.
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Satisfy your cravings with this hearty and flavorful Chicken & Vegetable Casserole—it’s packed with wholesome ingredients and topped with irresistible mozzarella!