I absolutely love this Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe because it hits all the right notes — rich, comforting, and packed with wholesome veggies that sneak in tons of flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want a cozy weeknight meal, this dish feels like a warm hug after a long day. The creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and a variety of vibrant vegetables makes it one of my go-to comfort foods.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple it came together and how satisfying it was without feeling heavy. You’ll find that the mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and tender chicken keeps every bite interesting. Plus, it’s super adaptable which means you can tweak it to fit what you have in your fridge or your dietary needs without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Creamy: The sauce is rich without being greasy, making every bite luxurious and satisfying.
- Packed with Veggies: You get tons of flavor and nutrients thanks to the colorful mix of vegetables.
- Easy to Make: This casserole comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the hassle.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even zoodles — whatever suits your mood or mood or pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this creamy chicken and veggie casserole recipe come together beautifully — fresh chicken, a vibrant medley of vegetables, and a creamy sauce base that’s comforting without weighing you down. When shopping, fresh veggies with good color and quality chicken will really elevate this dish.
- Chicken breast: Opt for fresh, boneless, skinless breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Yellow onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base flavor when sautéed.
- Red and green bell peppers: Choose firm, shiny peppers for that crisp, sweet crunch after cooking.
- Frozen spinach: Convenient and packed with nutrients; just be sure to drain it well.
- Cremini mushrooms: These add a nice earthy depth and meaty texture.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: The secret to creamy sauce without heavy cream — I love the flavor and ease it brings.
- Non-fat sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess with fewer calories.
- Unsalted butter: For sautéing vegetables to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Minced garlic: A small punch of garlic brightens up the whole dish.
- Paprika, salt, and pepper: Simple spices that balance flavor and add warmth.
Variations
One thing I love about this creamy chicken and veggie casserole recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Feel free to swap veggies in or out based on what you have, or tweak it to fit dietary preferences — it’s a canvas waiting for your creativity.
- Use leftover or rotisserie chicken: This shortcut is a lifesaver on busy days, speeding up the cooking time and still keeping that creamy delicious flavor I adore.
- Make it dairy-free: I’ve swapped sour cream with coconut yogurt and used dairy-free condensed soups for friends with allergies — it still turns out creamy and comforting.
- Add cheese: For extra indulgence, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top before baking — my family goes crazy for the melty topping!
- Seasonal veggies: Swap bell peppers for zucchini or swap mushrooms for asparagus in spring — it’s all good and keeps things fresh.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F — this ensures it’s hot and ready when your casserole goes in. Meanwhile, chop your vegetables with care: onions, bell peppers sliced into strips, and mushrooms sliced for even sautéing. I like to pop the frozen spinach directly into a bowl of hot water while prepping everything else — it thaws quickly and makes draining so much easier.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables to Build Flavor
Heat a large pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Once it’s bubbly, toss in your garlic, onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Cook them until the onions turn translucent and the peppers soften, around 5 to 10 minutes. Then, squeeze out the excess water from your thawed spinach — I learned this trick the hard way by ending up with a soggy casserole! Mix the spinach in well and cook everything together for another minute or so.
Step 3: Prepare Your Chicken
While your veggies are doing their thing, cut the raw chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. For a different twist, you can slice the chicken into larger 4 oz cutlets and layer them on top when assembling the casserole — I’ve done both, and the cutlet method makes for a fancier presentation. Just be sure to bake long enough so the chicken is cooked through.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce and Combine Everything
After the veggies are perfectly sautéed, off the heat, stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the sour cream. Sprinkle in paprika, salt, and pepper, then mix everything thoroughly until you get a smooth, creamy sauce coating all the vegetables. If you’re mixing the chicken pieces in, add them now and stir until they’re well combined with the saucy veggies.
Step 5: Bake and Enjoy!
Spray a baking dish generously with non-stick spray and pour your mixture in. If you went the cutlet route, lay the cutlets on top instead. Pop it in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and bubbly around the edges. I always check the internal temp of the chicken to be safe! Serve it up on its own or over your favorite carbs — rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice all make great pairings.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe
- Drain Spinach Well: This prevents extra watery casserole – I learned to squeeze it carefully but firmly before mixing.
- Use Fresh Veggies When Possible: Fresh bell peppers and mushrooms elevate the texture and flavor, even if it’s just for a small batch.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: The bite-sized pieces cook quickly baked inside the sauce; check often for juicy tenderness.
- Mix Sauce Thoroughly: Make sure the sour cream and cream of mushroom soup are well blended to avoid lumps and get that silky finish.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top before serving to add color and a pop of freshness that cuts through the creaminess. Sometimes, I add a bit of shredded cheese as garnish right after baking for extra indulgence, especially when serving company.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic bread or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. I often serve it alongside steamed rice or buttery noodles which soak up the creamy sauce perfectly. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a great match that I use regularly.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings or dinner parties, I like to bake the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming single-serving presentation. Another favorite is layering the cutlet version atop cooked noodles in a deep dish, then topping with melted cheese for a beautiful, rustic look that’s bound to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps well for 3 to 4 days. Reheating is simple and the casserole retains its creamy texture without drying out when warmed gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen this casserole before baking by assembling it and wrapping it tightly. When ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake like usual. Alternatively, freezing cooked leftovers works great too — just reheat thoroughly until hot all the way through.
Reheating
To keep that creamy goodness on reheating, I reheat the casserole gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, adding a splash of milk or broth if it feels too thick. Microwaving works fine as well, but watch the time so it doesn’t overcook and dry out.
FAQs
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Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw chicken in this casserole?
Absolutely! Using leftover or rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just stir the cooked chicken into the creamy veggie mixture before baking, then reduce the baking time since the chicken’s already cooked—about 15 minutes should do it.
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Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy-free sour cream and use a plant-based cream of mushroom soup or make your own sauce with coconut milk and mushrooms. The flavor is slightly different but still delicious and creamy!
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Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
You sure can! Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes for a fantastic make-ahead meal on busy days.
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What can I serve with this creamy chicken and veggie casserole?
It pairs beautifully with simple greens like a fresh salad, crusty bread, or starches like rice, pasta, or zoodles to soak up the sauce. I honestly enjoy it as a one-dish meal too because it’s so hearty.
Final Thoughts
This creamy chicken and veggie casserole recipe holds a special place in my heart — it’s one of those dishes that feels like home and never fails to bring smiles around the dinner table. I encourage you to give it a try because once you taste the creamy sauce with tender chicken and wholesome veggies, you’ll see why it’s become a favorite in my kitchen. Plus, it’s flexible, easy, and downright delicious — just what you want on a busy night! Happy cooking, friend.
PrintCreamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole is a comforting and nutritious dish combining tender chicken breast with sautéed vegetables in a rich mushroom and sour cream sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner and can be easily served over noodles, rice, or cauliflower rice for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
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 of frozen spinach, defrosted (10 oz. package) and water drained
- 2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms (160g)
Sauces and Dairy
- 1 can 98% fat free condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5oz 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
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Slice and chop your vegetables. Place the frozen spinach (still in packaging) into a bowl of hot water to thaw while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Once melted, add the garlic, peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Cook until the onions become translucent and the peppers begin to soften, approximately 5-10 minutes. Once softened, add the thawed and drained spinach. To drain the water from the spinach, squeeze it out of the bag carefully to avoid any spills. Mix the spinach well with the other vegetables.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the vegetables are cooking, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. For tracking purposes, you can alternatively slice the chicken into 4 oz. cutlets and place them on top of the casserole later instead of mixing them in.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the vegetables are cooked, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Add Chicken: Stir the raw chicken into the vegetable and sauce mixture until evenly combined. If using the cutlet method, skip this step and place the cutlets on top of the mixture in the baking dish later.
- Assemble and Bake: Spray a baking dish with non-stick spray and pour the mixture into the dish. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. If using the cutlet method, ensure the chicken is fully cooked through before serving.
- Serve: Serve the casserole on its own or over noodles, zoodles, rice, or cauliflower rice. Enjoy!
Notes
- Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary with ingredient substitutions.
- For convenience, substitute rotisserie or leftover chicken in place of raw chicken.