Harvest Chicken Casserole
Harvest Chicken Casserole is the best cassarole made with common harvested vegetables. This casserole is very easy to make and contains many health benefits for you to enjoy during harvest, and beyond. Be sure to keep this recipe handy for when you want to enjoy a simple meal. Follow the below instructions to learn how to make this deliciousness.
Easy Harvest Chicken Casserole
There are many great things about this delicious casserole, some of those things are that this casserole tastes amazing, is healthy for you, and is super easy to make. This casserole is great when you are serving a group of people, or if you only want to cook one night and have leftovers afterward. If you are hoping to find a healthy meal for your family, this is it, and it is easy. This dish is a win, win, win.
Harvest Chicken Skillet History
Often, I enjoy cooking without any kind of recipe and seeing how dishes turn out. Most of my cooking is typically done this way. As the weather begins to have hints of fall in the air, my garden is producing an abundance of harvest. The other night I was trying to figure out how to incorporate so many different vegetables into our dinner, and this recipe for the Harvest Chicken Casserole was born. The great thing about this casserole is that it can be made with common vegetables, and when they are combined, they taste wonderful. Let’s look at what ingredients you will need to make this easy chicken casserole.
Ingredients You Will Need
Cooked chicken
Potatoes
Onion
Carrots
Green beans
Green pepper
Sweetcorn
Chicken broth
Flour or corn starch
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Parsley
Green onion
Cheddar cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Bacon bits
Optional Ingredients
Zucchini
Yellow Squash
Sweet Potato
Tomato
Peas
Cauliflower
Brussel sprouts
Wild rice
White rice
Brown rice
Couscous
Quinoa
How To Make this Baked Chicken And Potato Casserole
The process of making this baked chicken and potato casserole is quite simple. Begin by cooking your chicken, or use pre-cooked chicken, or even canned chicken would work for this casserole. Be sure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before removing it. Allow the chicken to cool before shredding or cutting it into cubes.
Next, chop all of your vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces. If you are looking to cook the casserole quickly, it is a good idea to pre-boil your vegetables. Or if you are running short on time, you can place your chopped vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with water, and microwave for about 5 minutes. This will help them to be partially cooked, before baking. By pre-cooking your vegetables, you are ensuring that all of them will be cooked, and you will not have any crunchy parts in your casserole.
All that is left now, is to make the gravy, or you can use a can of cream of chicken soup if you prefer. To make your gravy, simply bring your chicken broth to a boil in your pan. In a small cup, add a few tablespoons of flour or corn starch. Pour in a small amount of your broth, and whisk until it is combined. Pour your flour mixture into your broth, whisk until it is completely dissolved. If you are having difficulty with lumps, toss your gravy into a food processor or blender and blend until your lumps are gone. Pour gravy on vegetables and mix in. Top with cheese, and bake until your casserole is warmed all the way through, your vegetables are entirely cooked, and your cheese on top has begun to turn a golden color.
How To Cook Chicken For Casserole
There are many different ways you can cook the chicken that will be included in your casserole. If you are using raw chicken, you might choose to grill it, bake it, or cube the meat and place it in a skillet with some olive oil, and garlic salt. If you have one way you are most comfortable with cooking the chicken, then feel free to use that method. How the chicken is cooked is not very important as long as it gets cooked completely.
If you would prefer to use chicken that is pre-cooked, some great options for this would be to use canned chicken, frozen chicken that is already cooked. Or my personal favorite, using a rotisserie chicken from Costco, Sam’s, or your local grocery store. If it is not already cut into bite-sized pieces, be sure to cut it before adding it to your casserole.
How Long To Cook Chicken Casserole
How long you cook the chicken casserole will depend if you have pre-boiled your vegetables. I would highly recommend pre-boiling your vegetables. My opinion is that not only is your casserole ready sooner, but it is overall more moist and as a result tastes better. To prepare it this way, you will need to boil your vegetables for about 5 minutes at a rolling boil. Or you can simply cover your vegetables in water and microwave them for 3-5 minutes, or until they are soft to your touch. Once your casserole has been prepared with partly cooked vegetables, the casserole should take about 10-15 minutes to cook in the oven.
What Substitutions Can I Make?
One of the beautiful things about making vegetable casseroles is that you can easily substitute kinds of vegetables, for others. For example, if you don’t care for green peppers, but enjoy Brussel sprouts, then, by all means, feel free to substitute one for the other.
Another great substitute option is to add a kind of grain. Things like wild rice, white rice, brown rice, couscous, or quinoa would make great additions to your casserole. You could easily add quinoa and cut back or remove the potatoes, to make the casserole contain less starch. Please see our list above of optional ingredients for a few additional ideas on things that could be substituted. Now that your creative thoughts are flowing, what should you make to go with this delicious harvest chicken casserole?
What Side Dish Goes With Chicken Casserole?
When you prepare a casserole, it is sometimes difficult to determine what to have in addition to the casserole itself. Don’t worry, we have you covered with a few of our top favorite ideas of foods to eat with a chicken casserole.
1. Bread
2. Biscuits
3. Fresh fruit
4. Lettuce salad
5. Apple sauce
6. Rice
7. Baked tomatoes with mozzarella and parmesan
Can You Freeze Leftover Chicken Casserole?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze the leftover chicken casserole. To freeze it simply place it into a sealable plastic freezer bag, date it, and add your description, then store it in your freezer for up to three months.
Can You Reheat Chicken Casserole?
Yes, you can reheat the chicken casserole if desired. Preheat the oven to 350°F, then place the casserole into the oven after it has been covered in foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until it is warm through.
Recommended Tools to Make This Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe
To make this Harvest Chicken skillet recipe, it is helpful to have the following kitchen tools on hand.
Knife
Cutting Board
Casserole Dish
Cooking Spray
Medium Pan
Rubber Spoon
Healthy Chicken Casserole: Fall Harvest Theme
This casserole recipe is packed full of good things, not only do they taste good, but these foods are also good for you. One of the best parts about it, besides the casserole’s taste and health, is that it is easy to prepare.
Let’s Make It
Let’s take a deep dive into some step-by-step instructions on how to actually make this delicious Harvest Chicken Casserole.
Harvest Chicken Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
3 medium potatoes, washed and cubed (I prefer red or yellow potatoes)
1 onion, chopped
1 1/2 cup carrots, diced
3/4 cup green beans
1 medium green pepper, diced
2 ears sweetcorn, cooked and removed from the cob
2 cups chicken broth
3 Tbsp flour or corn starch
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
parsley, to taste
1/8 cup green onion
1/4 cup cheddar cheese
1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
bacon bits, as desired
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F.
Next, gather all of your ingredients, chop, slice, and dice all of your vegetables.
Instructions
Follow the below step-by-step instructions for the easiest way to make this amazing Harvest Chicken Casserole.
Steps to make Harvest Chicken Casserole
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F
Step 2
Pre-boil your chopped vegetables by placing a pan filled about halfway full with water over high heat. Bring the water to a boil then add your vegetables. Boil for 2-5 minutes, just until they start to get soft. Drain the water and place them into your casserole dish. Add your chicken. Stir to combine.
Step 3
Now it is time to make your gravy. Pour your chicken broth into a pan and bring it to a boil. In a cup, add flour and a scoop of your hot broth. Whisk together the flour and broth until they are well combined. Add more broth to your flour mixture and whisk again. Repeat once more. After the mixture is combined, add your flour mixture to your broth and whisk it all together. If you have any lumps, toss the gravy into your blender or food processor and mix until no lumps remain. Pour the gravy into your casserole, and stir to combine.
Step 4
Now that your vegetables, chicken, and gravy have been added to your casserole dish, it is time to top the casserole off. Sprinkle the top with your shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Then add bacon bits if desired. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until your casserole is warmed through. Remove from the oven, and top with sliced green onions. Broil on low for 2-4 minutes or until cheese turns a golden brown around the edges. Note: if your cheese is already brown, DO NOT BROIL, simply turn your oven off and place your casserole back in the oven with your green onions on top for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve while hot. Enjoy!
Kitchen Tips
Tip 1: Pre-cook Vegetables
Pre-cooking your vegetables helps them be much moister in your casserole, and also makes sure that they are completely cooked, with no crunch in your finished casserole.
Tip 2: Use Blender
If you are having trouble with lumps in your gravy, then don’t hesitate to pour your mixture into your blender, or food processor and blend for a few minutes. This will remove the lumps right away for you.
Tip 3: Gravy Substitute
There is a great alternative to making your own gravy if the task sounds too daunting to you. Instead of making your own gravy, try using a can of cream of chicken soup. If your casserole appears too dry after adding one can of cream of chicken soup, you can also add some chicken broth and mix it all together.
Nutritional information
Harvest Chicken Casserole is a very healthy recipe. It is estimated that one serving contains 399 calories, 6.7g total fat, 62mg cholesterol, 54.9g total carbohydrates, 32.2g protein, 115mg calcium, and 5mg iron.
Variations:
There are several different variations to this dish that you can experiment in making if desired. Below are some of these different ideas for this recipe.
Wild Rice Harvest Casserole
To make this recipe, simply substitute the potatoes for wild rice, and add sweet potatoes, Brussel sprouts, and craisins.
Harvest Chicken Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts
This variation is similar to the previous idea. To make this dish, simply follow the recipe as stated above, only use sweet potatoes in place of red or yellow-skinned potatoes. Also, include Brussel sprouts. Be sure to exclude normal potatoes and you can also leave out the rice for this one.
Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake.
Ever wonder what to do with all of your zucchini? This variation is a great way to use your abundance of zucchini. Simply prepare your chicken, slice your zucchini, and combine with prepared rice. Drizzle with olive oil and top with cheese.
Harvest Chicken Skillet with Sweet Potatoes Brussels Sprouts and Sautéed Apples—Autumn in a Meal
This version of the Harvest Chicken Casserole combines, sweet potatoes and Brussel sprouts like stated above, only this time sauteé some apple slices and mix those in as well. This casserole is a nice combination of sweet and savory.
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Want The Recipe?
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Golden Harvest Chicken Casserole Recipe
This tasty recipe is a perfect way to celebrate the golden colors of harvest time. Give this awesome recipe for Harvest Chicken Casserole a try and see what you think! Let us know what variations you like best!
FAQs
What is a Harvest Chicken Casserole?
A harvest chicken casserole is made from chicken and your choice of vegetables and grains. They are combined with a chicken-flavored gravy or sauce and baked until the flavors are deliciously melded together.
What Ingredients Do I Need?
A variety of fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables works well, in addition to cooked chicken. If desired you can also add your choice of grain. See “Ingredients You Will Need” above for full details.
What Equipment Do I Need?
Some helpful kitchen utensils to have available to use are:
Knife
Cutting Board
Casserole Dish
Cooking Spray
Medium Pan
Rubber Spoon
What Is The Process?
The process is quite simple, cook your chicken, dice your vegetables, microwave or boil your vegetables for a few minutes, then add your chicken and vegetables to a casserole dish. Mix in your gravy or cream of chicken soup, top with cheese, and bake until it is cooked all the way through. Serve while it is hot.
How Do I Store It?
This casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Or it can be frozen for up to three months, in an airtight container, or plastic freezer bag.
Can I Reheat It?
Yes! The best way is to warm it in your oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave it for a few minutes if desired.
Best Harvest Chicken Casserole
This delightful recipe for the best harvest chicken casserole is super easy and very healthy for you to enjoy throughout the harvest season and beyond. This delicious meal is a great one to print out and keep handy whenever you are looking for a simple meal that is good for you. Be sure to give it a try!
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Healthy Recipe Of The Week – Harvest Chicken Casserole
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Harvest Chicken Cassarole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken cubed or shredded
- 3 medium potatoes washed and cubed
- 1 onion chopped
- 1½ cup carrots diced
- ¾ cup green beans
- 1 medium green pepper
- 2 ears sweetcorn cooked and removed from the cob
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 Tbsp flour or corn starch
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic minced
- parsley to taste
- red pepper flakes to taste
- ⅛ cup green onions chopped
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- bacon bitz as desired
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F
- Pre-boil your chopped vegetables by placing a pan filled about halfway full with water over high heat. Bring the water to a boil then add your vegetables. Boil for 2-5 minutes, just until they start to get soft. Drain the water and place them into your casserole dish. Add your chicken. Stir to combine.
- Now it is time to make your gravy. Pour your chicken broth into a pan and bring it to a boil. In a cup, add flour and a scoop of your hot broth. Whisk together the flour and broth until they are well combined. Add more broth to your flour mixture and whisk again. Repeat once more. After the mixture is combined, add your flour mixture to your broth and whisk it all together. If you have any lumps, toss the gravy into your blender or food processor and mix until no lumps remain. Pour the gravy into your casserole, and stir to combine.
- Now that your vegetables, chicken, and gravy have been added to your casserole dish, it is time to top the casserole off. Sprinkle the top with your shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Then add bacon bits if desired. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until your casserole is warmed through. Remove from the oven, and top with sliced green onions. Broil on low for 2-4 minutes or until cheese turns a golden brown around the edges. Note: if your cheese is already brown, DO NOT BROIL, simply turn your oven off and place your casserole back in the oven with your green onions on top for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve while hot. Enjoy!
