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Ina Garten’s Chicken Casserole

Ina Garten’s Chicken Casserole: Comfort Food Made Healthy

Ina Garten’s Chicken Casserole is a beloved dish that combines comforting flavors with healthy ingredients, suitable for family gatherings and busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1.5 cups Brown Minute Rice substitute with gluten-free rice if needed
  • 5 cups Chopped Broccoli Florets any green veggie, like spinach, can be swapped
  • 0.5 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced use shallots for a milder taste
  • 2 medium Carrots, finely diced substitute with bell peppers for variation
  • 1.5 cups Frozen Green Peas fresh peas can be used as well
  • Nonstick Cooking Spray Prevents sticking; substitute with any cooking oil spray
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth homemade or low-sodium varieties are great options
  • 1.5 cups 2% Milk substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version
  • 8 ounces Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided use mozzarella or Monterey Jack as alternatives
  • 0.25 teaspoon Garlic Powder fresh garlic can be substituted for a stronger flavor
  • 0.125 teaspoon Salt enhances flavor; adjust to taste
  • 0.125 teaspoon Ground Pepper substitute with cayenne for extra heat
For the Chicken
  • 1.5 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast leftover cooked chicken works well here
  • 1 ounce Shredded Parmesan Cheese omit if avoiding dairy

Equipment

  • Casserole Dish
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a large ceramic casserole dish by spraying it generously with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In the prepared casserole dish, evenly spread 1 1/2 cups of Brown Minute Rice, top with 5 cups of chopped broccoli, followed by 1/2 medium diced onion and 2 diced carrots, and sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of frozen peas on top.
  3. Heat 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups of milk in a saucepan until steaming, then whisk in 8 ounces of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the sauce is smooth.
  4. Pour the creamy sauce over the layered ingredients and gently toss to coat.
  5. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and place it evenly on top of the casserole mixture.
  6. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, checking for bubbling at the edges.
  7. Sprinkle remaining cheddar and 1 ounce of parmesan over the top and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
  8. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 28gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 90mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to customize vegetables to your preference and use leftover chicken to save time.

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