Healthy Savory Chicken Casserole Recipe (2024)

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This Savory Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of the best guilt-free comfort food recipes we have ever had. You will not believe this is dairy-free, gluten-free, and paleo-approved.

Healthy Savory Chicken Casserole Recipe (1)

Savory Chicken Casserole

Do the words casserole and clean eating REALLY go together? Well, today they do! This is a great feel-good food recipe. It actually tastes cheesy although there is no cheese and NO dairy of any kind!

Even though this is a healthy chicken casserole the whole family will love it. This is a great weeknight meal and it’s perfect for food prep because it tastes great leftover (hot or cold!).

If you want more meal ideas, check out this chicken tortilla casserole for a different flavor profile. You may also enjoy my zucchini noodle lasagna.

Can I Use Different Vegetables?

You sure can! I love green peas in this because it reminds me of a creamy chicken pot pie without the crust. You can add in peas and carrots, broccoli, asparagus, or cauliflower. Use your imagination and use whatever vegetable you prefer or enjoy.

I also like adding in onions or mushrooms for a different richer flavor profile. This is just a guide. You can make this your own by adding in any vegetables you want.

Should I Bake This?

This recipe does not require baking. However, you can pour into a cast-iron skillet or a baking dish and pop into the oven to heat through and add a bit of crisp or color to the top. If you eat cheese, a bit of cheese on top can be another addition that adds flavor. You could even sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top for a bit of crunch.

As it stands, you don’t have to bake the savory casserole, but it adds an extra layer of texture you will probably love. Plus, it gives you a bit more time to throw together a nice side salad to go on the side of your casserole meal.

Can This Savory Chicken Casserole be Frozen?

Yes! I love that this is such a great make-ahead recipe to put into freezer bags or a disposable baking dish and wrap well to freeze. You can thaw and reheat, or add to the oven straight from the freezer to heat through.

Just make sure you label and date the casserole before you freeze. That way you will always know what you have on hand in your freezer.

Tips for Making Savory Chicken Casserole

  • For the shredded chicken you can either boil it (our favorite!), make it in the Instant Pot, or if you are really pressed for time you can use rotisseriechicken.
  • You can either buy the whole butternut squash and peel and cut yourself or let the grocery store do that for you by purchasing the already peeled and cubed butternut squash!
  • Coconut cream is skimmed off the top of coconut milk (save that coconut milk for your next protein shake or smoothie!). Or you can purchase a can of the coconut cream (we’ve seen it at Trader Joes but it looks like it’s available on Amazon here too!)

Healthy Savory Chicken Casserole Recipe (2)

This was originally published on March 11, 2014, and updated April 13, 2020.

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Healthy Savory Chicken Casserole Recipe (3)

Savory Chicken Casserole

★★★★★5 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Whitney Carlson
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
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Description

This savory chicken casserole is one of the best guilt-free comfort food recipes we have ever had. You will not believe this is dairy free, gluten-free, and paleo approved.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 1/2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream (skimmed off of the top of a can of coconut milk)
  • 2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
  • 1 1/4 cup green peas (if using frozen, thaw prior to adding to recipe)
  • 1/2 tsp thyme
  • 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp oregano

Instructions

  1. If you have not pre-prepared your chicken, place chicken in an additional pot of boiling water for 8-15 minutes. Remove from heat, strain and shred chicken using forks or a stand mixer. Not sure how to boil chicken? We’ve got you covered! Check outthis post.
  2. Meanwhile, soften cubed and peeled butternut squash in a large pot of boiling water for approximately 40 minutes. Remove butternut squash from pot using a strainer and place in a large bowl. Using a potato masher, mash butternut squash to a smooth, but somewhat chunky texture.
  3. Add apple cider vinegar, sea salt, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, thyme and onion powder to the mashed butternut squash and stir to combine.
  4. Mix in the coconut creme and oil, stirring to combine.
  5. Stir in coconut oil, coconut creme, shredded chicken and green peas.
  6. Place mixture in a large skillet and cook for approximately 8-10 minutes on medium heat.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Paleo Grubs Stove-tip “Cheesy” Paleo Chicken Casserole

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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Comments

  1. Brandi Morrill says

    Mine came out kind of dry. What did I mess up on?????

    Reply

    • Whitney Carlson says

      Hi Brandi, I am so sorry I am just now seeing your comment. When you left it we were in the process of transferring websites. Although you might not care anymore I wanted to acknowledge your comment! Did you following the recipe exactly or did you make substitutions? One reason I can think of is if you overcooked the chicken (which is easy to do). I hope you gave it another try and that it came out better the second time.

      Reply

  2. Whitney Carlson says

    COMMENTS FROM PREVIOUS WEBSITE (ADMIN):

    Hubby made this tonight for dinner. It smelled so good and turned out just like the picture. My only concern is it tastes so sweet. I am trying to figure out if he used the wrong coconut product. Did anyone else get a really sweet result? Thank you for your help

    I think we found the answer. I pulled the can of coconut cream out of the garbage and read the ingredients. It had added sugar in the ingredients 🙁 We have learned our lesson and will try the recipe again without the sugar bomb.

    So yummy! My 5 and 2 year old and husband really enjoy it!!! It’s our new staple:)

    This was so good, I changed the recipe a little bit by roasting the butternut squash and sautéing some shallots and garlic together then adding everything. I also added a teaspoon of poultry seasoning and toasted that with the garlic and shallots! Awesome recipe 🙂

    I tried this recipe this week and loved it. My butternut squash was almost mushy after 15 minutes of boiling but I probably had small cubes. I used twice the amount that the recipe called for and still had extra squash for later. I cooked two chicken breasts (7oz each) in about 15-20 minutes. So all together this recipe was very quick and easy for me but it did use a lot of pots and pans. I did make one mistake with the coconut though. Instead of the can of coconut milk for the cream, I bought what I thought was organic coconut cream. It turns out I misread the label and it was really creamed coconut. Not the same thing at all but I used it anyway. I’m looking forward to making this again with the correct ingredients.

    This is really good – I’ll definitely make it again.
    I made a half recipe with minor modifications. To help speed the process along, I bought pre-cut butternut squash at Trader Joe’s (12 oz). Put it in a glass bowl with some water in the microwave; it took about 15 minutes in the microwave before it was ready to mash.
    I also had cooked, shredded chicken in the freezer so I pulled that out. Didn’t have garlic powder so I used fresh minced garlic instead.
    Post Thanksgiving, this would be a great way to use up leftover turkey. I’d even make this w/o the meat to serve as a side dish especially if going to a potluck, etc.

    My BF is eyeing my plate from across the room right now…

    This was delicious! Even my 2 year old loved it, thank you!

    I just read other comments, and next time I may try making it with broccoli instead of the peas, but the peas were really good with it!

    I’ve had this pinned forever;) Finally made it tonight using left over rotisserie chicken from Costco. Yum! Thank you for the recipe!

    Made this last night for dinner! So yummy!! Will definitely be making it again 🙂

    I doubled it too and had great results.

    I really like this recipe so much:) I’m lactose intolerant, so the coconut milk is just great for me; Tastes great and doesn’t make me sick!

    I ended up using a whole butternut squash I roasted. There was about 2.5 cups which I thought was a good amount for the amount of spice. Very tasty. Thank you. 👍👍👍

    super easy and delicious!! thanks for this recipe and for your blog- always enjoy your tips! 🙂

    Absolutely love this recipe. Easy to make, had all ingredients, except for the squash, on hand. I shared this recipe several times and even to some to the gym for my gym family to taste, lol.

    This was DELICIOUS!!! I wasn’t sure what to think since I’ve never had Coconut Milk before, but I loved it. I wound up doubling the recipe – my husband LOVED it and we’ve got more for leftovers! 🙂 This will be a staple in our home from now on! Thank you so much!!!!

    Just made this for dinner – oh my gosh – added to my favorites list! So tasty!

    This is delicious !! Thank you

    Reply

  3. Ashley V Ledford says

    Chicken casserole is one of my favorite meals- all times of the year – and this recipe is a perfect healthy version! I have never added peas before- what a great way to incorporate some veggies! 🙂

    Reply

    • Whitney Carlson says

      Hi Ashley! I’m so glad you love the recipe. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and comment. 🙂

      Reply

  4. Juston McNalley says

    Whaaat?!?! Can’t believe this is so good even without the cheese and creamy soups you typically add to casseroles. Amazing creation!

    Reply

    • Whitney Carlson says

      Hi Justin! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and review. I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe.

      Reply

  5. Melodi Cadwell says

    Followed recipe exactly! My husband and I are just starting to eat clean. I have to say it has taken me a very long time to get to this point. He is the pickiest eater I have ever met. He loved this dish, insisting on the leftovers for his lunch. He gave this recipe a solid 10 stars. He wanting me to make it a Second time. The second time we made this dish we add sautéed onions and celery!!! We absolutely loved it both ways!!!

    Reply

    • Whitney Carlson says

      That makes me so happy to hear, Melodi! I’m so glad both of you like the recipe. I hope you enjoy our others as well. 🙂

      Reply

  6. kkSize says

    I’m looking for new ways to use chicken because it’s such a staple in our house, but there are only a few recipes I circle through, that it gets boring to make again and again. This one is so simple and easy to make and is delicious! It’s helpful to have more healthy recipes added into our rotation.

    Reply

    • Whitney Carlson says

      I’m so glad you liked the recipe! I agree chicken can get boring so we are always looking for ways to switch it up. Thanks for taking the time to comment and leave a review.

      Reply

  7. Lynn Charland says

    I made this recipe last night. Even my picky eater didn’t complain. So, to me that is a win. I did double the recipe so I could have leftovers.

    Reply

    • Whitney Carlson says

      Hi Lynn! I’m so glad that you (and your picky eater!) liked the recipe. It’s still one of our favorites even years later. Thank you for taking the time to comment and leave a review.

      Reply

  8. Jenny says

    WOW! I love this recipe. I followed it exactly as is and it is one of my new favorites. I would like to try it with broccoli next time but it doesn’t matter what veggie this is truly the best clean eating recipe. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply

  9. Javier Cortes says

    Amazing! Such a delicious recipe.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Healthy Savory Chicken Casserole Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do I add Flavour to bland chicken casserole? ›

Fresh herbs or citrus zest can also punch up flavors with a bit of welcome brightness for a long-cooked dish, as can adding some heat in the form of a dash of hot sauce, a generous pinch of minced or sliced fresh chili pepper, or a shake of red pepper flakes.

What is the key to making a good casserole? ›

  1. Choose the right baking dish. If you're all about the crunchy topping, use a shallow dish. ...
  2. Undercook your pasta. ...
  3. Drain your meat. ...
  4. Beware of mushy vegetables. ...
  5. Know your cheeses. ...
  6. Master the art of casserole assembly. ...
  7. Don't skip the topping. ...
  8. Make it now, but bake it later.
Nov 1, 2021

Should you cover a chicken casserole when baking? ›

Covered Baking: Moisture Retention and Even Cooking

Here are some key points to consider: Retaining moisture. When chicken is covered while baking, it traps steam and moisture within the dish, resulting in juicier results.

What is the healthiest way to cook chicken for weight loss? ›

Stir-frying is one of the healthiest ways to cook chicken. Stir-fried lean, skinless chicken breast has the lowest fat content and is a great source of a vitamin called niacin. It has high levels of unsaturated (generally good) fats and the lowest levels of saturated (generally bad) fats.

What is the best chicken to eat to lose weight? ›

The chicken breast is lean and has the most protein by weight, making it ideal for people who want to lose weight, maintain muscle mass and improve recovery. Fattier cuts like the thigh, drumstick and wings have more calories, which make them better for people wanting to build muscle or gain weight.

What are the 5 components of a casserole? ›

So what's inside? Let's talk anatomy: A standard dinner casserole usually includes a protein, a starch, a vegetable, a sauce (or other binding ingredient), and cheese.

How to make a casserole less rich? ›

Add an acid such as lemon juice, lime juice, vinegar, or pickled vegetables (such as jalapeños).

What spices enhance the flavor of chicken? ›

5 best spice and herbs blends for chicken and meat
  • Paprika and garlic powder. Paprika is a great spice that makes any chicken dish stand out, it comes in many forms sweet, hot, regular and smoky. ...
  • Basil and rosemary. ...
  • Ginger and lemongrass. ...
  • Turmeric and chili. ...
  • Coriander and cumin.

Is it better to bake a casserole covered or uncovered? ›

In general, you'll want to bake a casserole covered with aluminum foil for most of the cooking time. Covering the casserole helps lock in moisture and prevents it from drying out. If you don't cover the casserole or uncover it too soon, the casserole will dry out.

How can I improve my casserole flavor? ›

Casseroles can really shine when they achieve a harmonious balance of flavors. Sweet, salty, spicy, and acidic elements should blend well and complement each other. Add ingredients like caramelized onions, olives, or lemon zest to give your casserole a depth of flavor.

Is it better to cook casserole the day before or? ›

Make-ahead meals (especially baked casseroles) are terrific because you can completely assemble them in advance and bake them just before serving. They're the ultimate comfort food as they come bubbling hot and delicious straight from the oven to the table to the delight of family and friends.

How do you keep chicken from drying out in a casserole? ›

Brine. Like a marinade, a brine helps chicken breast soak up as much moisture as possible before cooking. It only requires three ingredients: water, salt, and a pinch of sugar.

Do you cook vegetables before putting in casserole? ›

Soft vegetables like broccoli can be quickly par-cooked (aka blanched). If you are using hard vegetables like potatoes or carrots or other hardy root vegetables, you'll want to par-cook for longer. Often a quick 2-5 minutes in the microwave will just give them that great head-start.

Do you have to brown meat before making a casserole? ›

You don't have to brown the meat, but you should do it anyway. However, you don't have to brown all of the meat. Browning is done to fully develop the meaty flavours, and if you put too much meat into the pan it will release too much moisture and not brown at all.

Which is healthier, roasted or grilled chicken? ›

Roasted chicken is a better option because it has lower saturated fats and cholesterol. It's also packed with protein, vitamin B12 and iron. If you're looking to increase protein in your diet, roasted chicken is an excellent source.

Is frying or baking chicken healthier? ›

Oven fried chicken is healthier than deep fried chicken because it is cooked in the oven and not in oil. The chicken is cooked at a lower temperature than it would be if it were fried in oil.

Is grilled chicken the healthiest chicken? ›

When creating a healthy diet plan, grilled chicken is almost always a staple. This is because grilled chicken is lean and contains far less fat and calories than other types of meat. Eating it regularly can help you lose weight, especially when you swap it out for fattier meats like beef or pork.

Is it healthier to bake or pan cook chicken? ›

The best way to cook chicken for the health benefits

When it comes to pan frying, the type of fat you use to grease the pan is important. A healthy oil, such as olive or coconut, is going to be a healthier choice than animal fat, like butter. However, the healthiest way to cook chicken is to bake it or boil it.

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