Casseroles are one-dish meals the whole family can enjoy. These dinners are affordable, easy to toss together and can be prepped ahead of time to make busy weeknights a breeze. This chicken bacon ranch casserole is a taste of comfort food at its best. The rotisserie chicken and buttery crackers will please the kids, while the savoury flavors of ham and cheddar will impress adults.
- A Low Glycemic Index Food
Casseroles are the perfect choice for healthy eating because they often incorporate lean proteins, whole grains and lots of fresh vegetables. You can also easily customize recipes to fit your health goals and dietary restrictions by swapping out ingredients like flour or breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives, or adding more veggies and low-carb options such as cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
This easy Mexican chicken casserole is packed with umami olives, tomato-soaked chicken and cool queso fresco for a flavorful meal under 400 calories per serving. The jarred salsa verde is an excellent source of vitamin C, while the brown rice and vegetables add complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. This recipe can be made vegan or vegetarian by replacing the chicken with meat substitutes such as tofu or tempeh and using vegetable broth in place of the chicken stock.
Flaky rotisserie chicken makes this easy, oven-baked glass lid casserole a breeze to prepare. A homemade blend of cottage cheese, cream cheese and sour cream creates a creamy base, while garlic powder and onion powder enhance the flavor without adding extra sodium. The toasted, crushed Ritz crackers top the dish for a crunchy finish that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Whether you’re cooking for one or many, this simple chicken and broccoli casserole is sure to please. Each satisfying serving is bursting with protein and vegetables, while the cheddar cheese sauce bakes into the chicken for an extra-tasty dinner that’s ready in just 10 minutes. If you’re cooking for a crowd, this recipe is a great option for meal prep because it can be easily doubled and frozen.
To avoid overcooking your chicken, be sure to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature at its thickest point; it should read 165F to be safe for consumption. You can also reduce the fat content of this recipe by skipping the butter and using lower-fat shredded cheddar cheese (although be sure to splurge on fresh, unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture).
- Complex Carbohydrates for Energy
When you eat foods containing carbohydrates, protein and fat, they get broken down into elements the body uses for energy. Protein gets reduced to amino acids and fat to fatty acids, both of which are stored in the body for future use. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, break down into sugars that are immediately available for the body to use. This is why complex carbs, such as those found in whole grains and vegetables, are better for the body than simple sugars, such as those found in candy and soda.
Complex carbohydrates have long molecule chains that require more work for the body to break down, which leads to more steady energy levels and prevents blood sugar spikes. You can find complex carbohydrates in healthy foods, including whole grains, beans and legumes, and starchy vegetables like corn, potatoes, peas and carrots.
During workouts and other physical activities, complex carbohydrates are converted into glucose or blood sugar for energy. Some athletes recommend carbohydrate loading the night before a run, or eating carb-rich foods, to maximize glycogen storage in the muscles and liver, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
This lighter take on classic chicken cordon bleu combines tandoori spiced chicken breasts with savory quinoa and steamed broccoli to deliver an indulgent but nutritious dish that can be whipped up in just 10 minutes. Each serving contains fewer than 300 calories and provides protein, B vitamins and calcium from the vegetables. This casserole is a good source of niacin, a B vitamin that helps increase HDL “good” cholesterol and folate, which aids in DNA and RNA production. It’s also high in vitamin C.
- Rich in Nutrients
Casserole chicken dishes are often rich and creamy, making them ideal for pairing with a variety of side dishes. These sides provide flavor and texture contrast that help balance the savory flavors of casserole chicken and offer a boost of nutrition to your meal.
Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that pair well with many meals, including chicken casserole. They also provide a source of starch, which helps slow down the rate at which your body absorbs the energy from other foods in your meal.
Roasted vegetables are another great option to serve with chicken casserole. They can be tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs and then roasted in the oven until golden and crispy. Whether you make them ahead of time or right before serving, roasted vegetables will add a savory element to the dish while helping to balance out the creaminess of the casserole.
Green beans, which can be blanched, sauteed or roasted, are an easy way to add a dose of fiber to your meal. They also provide a fresh, leafy taste that complements the savory flavors of many chicken casseroles.
Another healthy vegetable to consider serving with chicken casserole is creamed spinach, which provides a nutritious punch of spinach and lean protein in a creamy sauce that’s delicious on its own or as a complement to a main dish like casserole.
For a quick and easy meal, try this chicken casserole that calls for rotisserie chicken and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. It’s a perfect go-to dinner for busy weeknights at home or an easy recipe to bring to potluck events.
- Versatility for Healthy Pairings
Casseroles are a staple at any Southern kitchen and make an easy-peasy weeknight dinner as well as a reliable choice for potluck dishes. These one-dish meals can be paired with a wide variety of side dishes for a complete meal. For a healthy twist, try to add vegetables like peas and green beans to casserole recipes. This will boost the nutritional value of your meal and keep your hunger satisfied for longer.
A delicious chicken casserole recipe is a versatile addition to your dinner rotation. It’s also a great option for potlucks, since many of these delicious dishes can be made ahead of time.
These chicken casseroles have a variety of ingredients that make them perfect for any season. You can find a creamy pasta dish with chicken and broccoli casserole or a comforting rice casserole that features chicken and toasted almonds.
Another fun variation on the classic chicken and rice casserole is this upscale version featuring mushrooms, sage and sherry. It’s sure to impress guests and take your dinner from comfort food to culinary masterpiece.
This creamy chicken casserole is a tasty and healthy way to use up leftover chicken from a roast. The chicken is combined with vegetables and a simple sauce that’s topped with bread crumbs for a crunchy, golden-brown finish. This is a great choice for a casual dinner or a make-ahead lunch to enjoy on the go.
This deliciously creamy, kid-friendly casserole is a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies. It’s loaded with pasta, chicken, ranch and cheddar cheese topped with crispy bacon. This casserole is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.
- Portion Control
Chicken and rice casserole is a great way to get in some whole grains and protein for a well-rounded meal. However, like any dish, portion control is essential. This is especially important for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle. A typical serving of this comfort food is around 6 ounces. To help control portion sizes, try baking your casserole set for roti in individual portions. This can be done using a muffin tin. Each “muffin” should be one portion, making it easy to reheat and serve.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it is packed full of vegetables! Veggies are an excellent source of fiber, which helps you feel full longer. They also offer many health benefits such as reducing your risk of heart disease, fighting obesity and maintaining a healthy weight.
This is a low-calorie, healthy version of classic chicken cordon bleu. It skips the stuffing, rolling and frying, but still delivers all the flavor of this rich and delicious classic. The addition of wild rice and Gruyere cheese provides a nutritious twist to this recipe.
The potatoes in this recipe are a good source of starch, which provides your body with energy. They also contain potassium, which is an electrolyte that can help keep your blood pressure in check. If you are looking for a healthy alternative, try swapping the potatoes out for sweet potato chips, lentil chips or kale chips.
This is a great comfort food recipe that will satisfy the entire family. The whole wheat noodles provide a nice dose of fiber, while the chicken and broccoli provide a healthy amount of lean protein. To reduce the fat, you can replace the butter with olive oil. You can also cut down on the calories by skipping the top layer of bread crumbs.