Chicken Casserole with Tomatoes, Peppers, and Parsley
Chicken casseroles are a beloved staple in many households, offering the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and convenience. This Chicken Casserole with Tomatoes, Peppers, and Parsley is a vibrant and delicious take on the classic, featuring a medley of fresh vegetables and tender chicken in a savory, herb-infused sauce.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty family meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck or gathering, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. The combination of juicy chicken, vibrant peppers, and tangy tomatoes creates a flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting, making it a surefire hit with diners of all ages.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This Chicken Casserole with Tomatoes, Peppers, and Parsley stands out for its exceptional taste, texture, and versatility. The tender chicken is complemented by the pop of freshness from the tomatoes and peppers, while the aromatic parsley and blend of seasonings lend a depth of flavor that elevates the dish to new heights.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is its accessibility and make-ahead potential. With pantry and freezer-friendly ingredients, it’s easy to whip up on a busy weeknight, but it also holds up beautifully when prepared in advance, making it an ideal choice for entertaining or meal prepping. The perfect balance of heartiness and freshness makes this casserole a crowd-pleasing favorite that will have your family and friends clamoring for seconds.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chicken Casserole with Tomatoes, Peppers, and Parsley ❓
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
The beauty of this Chicken Casserole with Tomatoes, Peppers, and Parsley is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet peppers, and tangy tomatoes creates the Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that has made chicken casserole recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Chicken Casserole with Tomatoes, Peppers, and Parsley Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, until lightly browned on all sides.
• Step 3: Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
• Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Step 5: Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
• Step 6: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then transfer it to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Step 7: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
• Step 8: Remove the casserole from the oven and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
• Step 9: Serve hot and enjoy!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 60 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken and rice casseroles that can take up to an hour to prepare, this Chicken Casserole with Tomatoes, Peppers, and Parsley saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 630mg
These chicken casserole dishes provide approximately 30% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the tomato paste and use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice or pasta.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew-based cheese or nutritional yeast.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas or lentils for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced mushrooms, spinach, or kale to the casserole for an extra serving of vegetables.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Chicken Casserole with Tomatoes, Peppers, and Parsley.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
• Complement the casserole with a light, crisp white wine or a hearty red wine for a cozy, comforting dinner.
• For a family-style meal, serve the casserole alongside mashed potatoes or steamed rice to soak up the delicious juices.
• Create an impressive dinner party platter by serving the casserole with a selection of roasted vegetables, olives, and warm, freshly baked rolls.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Undercooking the vegetables: Make sure the peppers and onions are tender and cooked through before assembling the casserole. Undercooking the vegetables can result in a crunchy, unpleasant texture.
• Skipping the fresh parsley: Don’t skip the fresh parsley at the end – it adds a bright, herbal flavor that really complements the other ingredients.
• Not adjusting cooking time for a full casserole: If you’re making a larger batch, be sure to increase the baking time to ensure the center of the casserole is heated through.
• Forgetting to taste and adjust seasonings: Taste the casserole before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your personal preferences.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Chicken Casserole with Tomatoes, Peppers, and Parsley retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the casserole according to the recipe, but do not bake. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
• Reheating: To reheat individual portions, microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. For the whole casserole, cover and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until piping hot.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Chicken Casserole with Tomatoes, Peppers, and Parsley is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also prepare the casserole completely, allow it to cool, then freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake it as directed.
Can I substitute the chicken with a different protein?
Yes, you can easily substitute the chicken with other proteins, such as ground turkey, ground beef, or even cubed pork. Keep in mind that the cooking times may need to be adjusted based on the protein you choose. For a vegetarian option, you can use cooked chickpeas, lentils, or a combination of roasted vegetables instead of the chicken.
Is this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
This Chicken Casserole with Tomatoes, Peppers, and Parsley is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. To make it dairy-free, you can substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew-based cheese or nutritional yeast. You can also omit the cheese altogether if desired.
What if my casserole seems watery or the sauce is too thin?
If your casserole appears watery or the sauce is too thin, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure to use diced tomatoes instead of whole or crushed tomatoes, as the diced variety has less liquid. You can also try increasing the amount of tomato paste or simmering the casserole for a few minutes longer to allow the sauce to thicken. If the issue persists, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the casserole to help thicken the sauce.
Can I add or substitute any other vegetables?
Absolutely! This Chicken Casserole with Tomatoes, Peppers, and Parsley is highly versatile, and you can easily add or substitute other vegetables to suit your preferences. Some great options include mushrooms, spinach, kale, zucchini, or even diced eggplant. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
Conclusion
These Chicken Casserole with Tomatoes, Peppers, and Parsley represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting family meal or a showstopping dish for a dinner party, they’re sure to impress with their vibrant colors, tender chicken, and burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these chicken casserole dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So why not give this Chicken Casserole with Tomatoes, Peppers, and Parsley a try and experience the joy of a delicious, homemade casserole that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
