Chicken Harvest Casserole
Submitted by Emily Tweten of Lewiston, MN
Chicken Harvest Cassrole
Chicken harvest casserole is a savory fall recipe that will please kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings during the holidays.
There is enough protein and veggies in this harvest chicken casserole to make you feel full while still leaving room for dessert. It is a perfect recipe for those busy weeknights when you don't have time to come up with a gourmet meal. Get ready to dive in and enjoy a plate of goodness without any guilt! This delicious and hearty main dish recipe is so easy to put together and is also perfect for freezing if you're looking for a fast meal to take advantage of on a busy day. Serve the Harvest chicken casserole with green beans for a complete meal. This recipe is also a great way to get extra veggies into your family's diet and is a great way to make use of leftover chicken.
INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 chopped onion
1 clove garlic
2 lbs. chicken
Sweet potato
Brussels sprouts quartered
1 tsp dry thyme
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 C chicken broth
I can cooked rice
1/2 C dried cranberries
1/2 C sliced almonds
INSTRUCTIONS
Place cooked, cubed chicken into 9x13" oven-safe pan.
Heat oil with Brussels sprouts, veggies, garlic, paprika, and thyme until softened.
Add chicken broth and simmer.
Combine with rice and chicken.
Add cranberries and almonds.
Bake @ 350 for 20 min.
What is a harvest chicken casserole?
This harvest chicken casserole recipe is your new go-to meal because it is full of veggies like sweet potatoes and Brussel sprouts, rice, almonds, and cranberries seasoned with dried herbs and spices and is bursting with fall flavors.
You'll love this healthy chicken casserole recipe because it's packed with protein, yet it doesn't feel heavy. It's the perfect fall meal with all the right flavors and tastes like comfort food. It will make your stomach happy and keep you warm during the chilly months ahead.
Why You'll Love This Recipe?
This simple recipe is perfect for a fall night when you want something easy to put on the table. As an added bonus, it's a great way to utilize leftover chicken, vegetables, and chicken broth you might have in your kitchen. And it's healthy!
The casserole freezes well, making it ideal for prepping ahead of time or to have on hand for last-minute dinners. You can easily divide it into individual servings and place them in airtight containers. This meal reheats well in the microwave, so it's great for busy mornings.
What ingredients do I need?
Chicken – Chicken adds a perfect protein punch to this casserole recipe.
Olive Oil – Use extra virgin olive oil to cook your chicken and vegetables.
Garlic – It adds an earthy flavor and a garlicky twist to this chicken harvest casserole.
Onions – The onions add umami notes with subtle sweetness
Brussels Sprouts – Cook them in a skillet along with other veggies.
Sweet Potatoes –Besides being full of vitamins and minerals, sweet potatoes are also rich in fiber.
Chicken Broth – The chicken broth is the "secret" behind the savory flavors of this harvest casserole. You definitely can substitute it with vegetable broth if you prefer.
Rice –Rice blends perfectly with chicken and vegetables; however, if you are looking for a low-carb choice, go for cauliflower rice.
Cranberries – With adding a few cranberries on top, you will be able to add a touch of sweetness, which complements the flavors of this dish so nicely.
Almonds – You will be able to enjoy more crunch with every bite of this casserole when you add chopped almonds.
Herbs & Spices – Paprika and thyme give this recipe all the savory and zesty flavor you're craving.
HOW TO COOK CHICKEN FOR CASSEROLE
When it comes to cooking chicken for this chicken harvest casserole, you have options. You can grill, bake, or cube the meat and sauté it with olive oil and garlic and season with salt. If you have a go-to method for cooking chicken, then, by all means, use that. The technique isn't as important as ensuring the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
If you're looking for a shortcut regarding your chicken casserole, you might want to consider using precooked chicken. Canned or frozen chicken are the best options that will save you some time. You could also go for a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the casserole.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU BAKE HARVEST CHICKEN CASSEROLE
If you’re using precooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, bake the casserole in a preheated at 350-degree for about 20 minutes.
WHAT SIDE DISH GOES WITH CHICKEN CASSEROLE
If you're looking for some sides ideas, you might want to try some of the following:
Green Beans are a great option because they're flavorful, healthy, and can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference.
Lettuce Salad is a refreshing choice that goes well with chicken harvest casserole.
Bread is always an excellent choice, no matter what you're eating! Try some garlic bread alongside this hearty meal for added goodness!
Baked Tomatoes are also delicious with dishes like these because they add more freshness without too much heaviness—just enough freshness to make your taste buds sing!
CAN YOU FREEZE LEFTOVER CHICKEN CASSEROLE
You can freeze leftover chicken harvest casserole for up to three months. Once it has cooled completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You may also want to label the container with the date you froze it and any other pertinent information (such as what type of chicken was used).
CAN YOU REHEAT CHICKEN CASSEROLE
To reheat your frozen casserole, thaw at room temperature overnight or in the refrigerator for 24 hours before baking. The following are some ways to reheat it:
In a casserole dish in the oven: You can heat up this dish at 350°F for about 15 minutes until it's warm again.
In the microwave. For about 2-3 minutes. In terms of convenience, it's probably the best method for warming leftovers.