Lower Calorie Chicken Casserole Recipe

Chicken breast: Provides lean protein and is the main component of the dish.

Low-fat greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang while keeping the calorie count low.

Low-fat cheddar cheese: Gives a cheesy flavor without the extra fat.

Frozen mixed vegetables: Adds color, texture, and nutrients to the casserole.

Chicken broth: Keeps the casserole moist and flavorful.

Garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of garlic.

Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor without the need for chopping onions.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the dish.

To ensure your chicken casserole has a rich and creamy texture without adding extra calories, try blending the low-fat Greek yogurt and chicken broth together before mixing them with the other ingredients. This will create a smoother base that evenly coats the shredded chicken and mixed vegetables, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.

• cooked chicken breast - Substitute with cooked turkey breast: Turkey breast is similarly lean and high in protein, making it a suitable lower-calorie alternative.

• low-fat greek yogurt - Substitute with non-fat plain yogurt: Non-fat plain yogurt has fewer calories and still provides the creamy texture needed for the casserole.

• low-fat cheddar cheese - Substitute with reduced-fat mozzarella cheese: Reduced-fat mozzarella has fewer calories and fat while still offering a good melt and flavor.

• frozen mixed vegetables - Substitute with fresh mixed vegetables: Fresh vegetables can be lower in sodium and preservatives, offering a healthier option.

• chicken broth, low sodium - Substitute with vegetable broth, low sodium: Vegetable broth can be lower in calories and still provides a rich flavor.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh garlic has a more robust flavor and can be used in smaller quantities, potentially reducing calorie intake.

• onion powder - Substitute with fresh minced onion: Fresh onion provides a stronger flavor, allowing you to use less and reduce overall calorie content.

• salt - Substitute with herbs like thyme or rosemary: Herbs can enhance the flavor without adding extra sodium or calories.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a spicy kick, allowing you to use less and potentially reduce calorie intake.

• Allow the chicken casserole to cool completely after baking. This ensures that condensation doesn't form inside the storage container, which can make the casserole soggy.

• Transfer the cooled casserole into an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also divide it into individual portions for easier reheating later.

• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to store the casserole for a longer period, consider freezing it. Wrap the container tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. This helps to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the chicken casserole.

• Label the container with the date of storage. This will help you keep track of how long the casserole has been stored and ensure you consume it within a safe timeframe.

• When you're ready to enjoy the casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if it's been frozen. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the chicken casserole.

• Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it's heated through. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the portion size. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out during reheating.

• Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power until warmed through. Stir halfway to ensure even heating.

• Enjoy your reheated chicken casserole with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the top get slightly crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, then stir.
  4. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until the casserole is thoroughly warmed.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of chicken broth or water to the skillet to prevent sticking.
  3. Add the leftover casserole to the skillet.
  4. Cover and heat for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the casserole is heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the casserole in an air fryer-safe dish.
  3. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
  4. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover with aluminum foil for the remaining time.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the casserole in a toaster oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep it moist.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot all the way through.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

• Baking dish: A dish to transfer the mixed ingredients into for baking.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the ingredients accurately, such as the chicken, yogurt, cheese, and broth.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

• Spatula: Useful for mixing the ingredients together in the mixing bowl.

• Cheese grater: If you need to shred the cheddar cheese yourself.

• Knife: To shred the cooked chicken breast if it’s not pre-shredded.

• Cutting board: A surface to shred the chicken breast on.

• Oven mitts: To safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding chicken breast yourself.

Pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheese to cut down on prep time.

Frozen vegetables: Use frozen mixed vegetables that are already chopped and ready to go.

One-bowl mixing: Mix all ingredients in one bowl to minimize cleanup time.

Quick seasoning: Use pre-measured garlic powder and onion powder to speed up the seasoning process.