Weeknight Creamy Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole roasted chicken, skin removed and meat shredded (about 4 cups of shredded chicken)
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or low-fat sour cream)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

  3. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and season with dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and coated with the seasoning.

  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the low-sodium chicken broth, plain Greek yogurt (or low-fat sour cream), and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined.

  5. In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked quinoa or brown rice on the bottom, followed by the blanched broccoli florets.

  6. Spread the seasoned shredded chicken mixture evenly over the broccoli layer in the baking dish.

  7. Pour the Greek yogurt and chicken broth mixture over the top of the chicken layer, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly coated.

  8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole, covering it evenly.

  9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

  10. Remove the foil from the baking dish and bake the casserole for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

  11. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

  12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve the healthy creamy chicken casserole warm.

Enjoy this creamy and cheesy chicken casserole made from a whole roasted chicken and wholesome ingredients! It's a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for a family dinner or gathering with friends.