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Make-Ahead Chicken and Vegetable Casserole


  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

A delicious and convenient make-ahead chicken casserole packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.


Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups cooked white rice
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese


Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add minced garlic, sliced carrots, broccoli florets, and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Add the milk, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add frozen peas. Stir to combine.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken and vegetable mixture with the cooked rice. Mix well.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate if making ahead. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes