Craving a hearty and wholesome meal? This Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Chicken Casserole is a fantastic option for a healthy chicken casserole recipe that delivers on flavor without the fuss. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how satisfying it tastes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for extra speed.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Jarred roasted red peppers are perfect for convenience.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a tangy, salty kick. Goat cheese or even a dairy-free feta alternative works well.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the casserole. Kale or other greens can be substituted.
- Pasta: Choose a short pasta like penne, rotini, or orecchiette. Gluten-free pasta is also a great option.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 8 ounces short pasta, cooked al dente
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Tools Needed: Large oven-safe skillet or 9×13 inch baking dish, large pot
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Chicken and Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, then stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
2. Combine the Sauce Ingredients
Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir in diced tomatoes, chopped roasted red peppers, chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Add Spinach and Feta
Once simmering, stir in the fresh spinach a handful at a time until it wilts into the sauce. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese until just combined.
4. Incorporate Cooked Pasta
Add the cooked al dente pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If you are not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbling and heated through. For a golden top, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully. This makes a truly satisfying healthy chicken casserole recipe.
Variation Ideas:
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a little heat.
- Add More Veggies: Include chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the onion.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or a dairy-free cream alternative with the broth for a richer sauce.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Finish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Storage Instructions:
You can store leftover Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or cover and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole without baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- What kind of chicken is best for healthy chicken casserole recipes? Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for quick cooking and a leaner option.
- Can I use fresh red peppers instead of jarred? You can, but you’ll need to roast them first. Halve and seed bell peppers, roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until softened and slightly charred, then peel and chop.
- What if I don’t have feta? Goat cheese offers a similar tang, or you can use a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Is this casserole freezer-friendly? Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- How can I make this gluten-free? Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free.