I absolutely love sharing this Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe because it’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s creamy, packed with veggies, and comes together without any complicated steps, which makes it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but not fussy. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the flavors melded, especially with that silky sauce that’s just bursting with cozy goodness.

You’ll find that this casserole works beautifully for dinners but also shines as leftovers the next day – it reheats so well without losing that luscious creaminess. If you’re someone who loves sneaking extra veggies into meals (like I am!), this recipe is a winner. It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters in my family go crazy for, and trust me, that means a lot!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Balanced Nutrition: It combines lean protein with plenty of colorful veggies for a wholesome meal.
  • Simple Prep: With straightforward steps and common pantry staples, it makes weeknight cooking a breeze.
  • Versatility: Great as-is or topped with your favorite cheeses and herbs, plus it pairs well with many sides.
  • Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike have enjoyed it—making dinner time easier and happier.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for this Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe come together to create a delicious harmony of flavors and textures. I always recommend using fresh or thawed veggies to keep it vibrant, and quality chicken to make it hearty.

  • Chicken breast: I prefer fresh, boneless chicken breasts chopped into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • Yellow onion: Adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor after sautéing.
  • Red and green bell peppers: These bring a lovely crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
  • Frozen spinach: Convenient and nutrient-packed; be sure to squeeze out excess water before adding.
  • Cremini mushrooms: They add earthiness and a meaty texture, balancing the creaminess nicely.
  • Condensed cream of mushroom soup (98% fat free): This is the base of the creamy sauce, making it rich without being heavy.
  • Non-fat sour cream: Gives the casserole that silky, tangy richness that keeps it from feeling too heavy.
  • Unsalted butter: For sautéing and adding subtle richness.
  • Minced garlic: Brings aromatic warmth.
  • Paprika: A touch for smoky depth and subtle spice.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe is—it’s like a blank canvas for creativity. Over time, I’ve tried swapping veggies and protein sources, which always keeps the dish fresh and exciting. You should definitely customize it to your taste or what you have on hand!

  • Use rotisserie chicken: When I’m short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds a little smoky flavor.
  • Swap in different veggies: Broccoli, zucchini, or carrots blend right in and keep things colorful.
  • Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a delicious plant-based casserole.
  • Cheesy twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top before baking for a melty crust that my family adores.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients with Care

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F to get it ready for baking. While the oven warms up, chop the yellow onion, slice your bell peppers into strips, and slice the cremini mushrooms. Pop the frozen spinach (still sealed) into a bowl of hot water to thaw—this speeds up the process while you prep everything else. Once thawed, squeeze out as much water as you can to avoid a soggy casserole later.

Step 2: Sauté Those Veggies Until They’re Just Right

Heat a large pan on medium and melt your butter until it’s bubbling. Toss in the garlic first for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—watch closely because garlic burns fast! Then add the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté gently for 5 to 10 minutes until the onions turn translucent and peppers start softening. Finally, mix in the thawed and drained spinach. This blend of tender, flavorful veggies makes the dish so satisfying.

Step 3: Prep and Combine Your Chicken

While your veggies are working their magic, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can slice the chicken into bigger cutlets and lay those on top of the casserole later—but I’ve always found that mixing bite-sized chicken through ensures every bite has protein goodness. Once your veggies are cooked, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, paprika, salt, and pepper until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Bake It to Perfection

Spray a baking dish lightly with non-stick spray, then pour your creamy chicken and veggie mixture right in. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. If you used chicken cutlets on top instead of mixed in, make sure to check they’re fully cooked through before serving. The oven time gives everything a chance to meld together and develop that irresistible casserole texture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve this casserole all on its own or ladled over your favorite base – noodles, zucchini noodles, rice, or even cauliflower rice work beautifully here. I love the creamy sauce soaking into noodles, which makes this dish feel indulgent yet wholesome. Just grab a fork and enjoy that cozy, flavorful bite!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe

  • Thoroughly Drain Spinach: I learned the hard way that excess moisture makes the casserole watery—don’t skip squeezing it dry.
  • Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavor way beyond store-bought garlic powder.
  • Even Chicken Pieces: Cutting chicken into uniform pieces helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
  • Don’t Overbake: Bake just till cooked through to keep creamy texture; overbaking dries it out.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe

Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole, easy chicken casserole recipe, healthy veggie casserole, comfortable weeknight dinner, kid-friendly casserole dish The image shows a white deep plate with a creamy dish served on it. The dish has several layers: a thick, light beige sauce as the base, mixed with cooked dark green leafy vegetables, and strips of red and green bell peppers peeking through. The texture looks soft and creamy with small chunks of light-colored protein scattered throughout. Behind the plate, there is a large white ceramic baking dish filled with the same creamy mixture that has a slightly browned top layer. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a beige and black checkered cloth partly under the baking dish and a white salt shaker nearby.

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of chopped chives to add a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I add a little shredded cheddar or parmesan right before serving if I want a cheesy finish. These simple garnishes uplift the flavor and presentation instantly.

Side Dishes

For sides, my go-to is a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette—something light to balance the creaminess. Roasted garlic bread is another favorite; it’s perfect for scooping up the saucy bits. When I want to keep it low-carb, a side of steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice pairs wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the casserole in individual ramekins, topped with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs and a little cheese broiled until golden. It’s a fun, personalized touch that impresses guests and makes leftovers feel extra special. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of guacamole for an unexpected twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to give it a gentle stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce since it can thicken in the fridge. It keeps its flavor and texture much better than many casseroles I’ve tried!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers before baking, then thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use. When I’m pressed for time, I bake frozen portions straight from the freezer, just adding extra baking time and covering with foil to prevent drying.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through—usually about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps it creamy and prevents drying out like a microwave often does. You can sprinkle a little extra sour cream or broth if it seems a bit thick.

FAQs

  1. Can I use leftover or cooked chicken for this casserole?

    Absolutely! Using cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just reduce the baking time since the chicken is already cooked. Mix the chicken into the sauce and veggies, then bake just long enough to heat through and meld the flavors.

  2. Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?

    Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream and a dairy-free sour cream. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different, but still delicious and creamy.

  3. Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it later?

    Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

  4. What can I serve this casserole with to make it a full meal?

    I like to serve it with a fresh salad and some crusty bread or rice. It also works great over noodles or even spaghetti squash for lighter options.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s been part of so many family dinners filled with laughter and comfort. It’s comforting without being complicated, creamy without feeling heavy, and packed with nourishing veggies you can feel good about. I really hope you give this recipe a try—it’s the kind of dish that feels like an instant classic in your home. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 146 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breast chunks combined with sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and spinach, all enveloped in a rich and creamy mushroom soup and sour cream sauce. Baked to perfection, it’s perfect served on its own or over your favorite base like noodles or rice for a satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Proteins

  • 1.5 lbs. raw chicken breast, chopped into bite size pieces

Vegetables

  • 1/2 yellow onion, chopped (160g)
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips (200g)
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into slices (130g)
  • 1 package frozen spinach, defrosted and water drained (10 oz. package)
  • 2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms (160g)

Sauces and Dairy

  • 1 can 98% fat free condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz can)
  • 1 cup non-fat sour cream (250g)

Spices and Other Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, chop the vegetables and place the frozen spinach, still sealed in its packaging, into a bowl of hot water to thaw.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large pan over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic, chopped onions, red and green bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms. Cook until onions become translucent and peppers soften, about 5 to 10 minutes. Drain excess water from the thawed spinach by squeezing the bag carefully, then add the spinach to the pan and mix thoroughly with the other vegetables.
  3. Prepare the Chicken: While vegetables cook, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Optionally, slice into 4 oz cutlets if you prefer to layer them on top later.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Stir the cream of mushroom soup, non-fat sour cream, paprika, salt, and pepper into the vegetable mixture, blending until smooth and evenly combined.
  5. Add Chicken: Mix the raw chicken pieces into the vegetable and sauce mixture until evenly distributed. If using cutlets instead, omit this step and place the cutlets atop the mixture in the baking dish.
  6. Assemble and Bake: Lightly spray a baking dish with non-stick spray. Pour the combined mixture into it, or if using cutlets, place them on top of the mixture. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked through.
  7. Serve: Dish up the casserole on its own or serve over noodles, zoodles, rice, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. Enjoy your creamy chicken and veggie casserole!

Notes

  • Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on substitutions.
  • For convenience, you can substitute rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken instead of raw chicken to save prep and cook time.

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