Why Make This Recipe
Caprese Chicken Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with tender chicken. This casserole is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering a hearty meal that everybody will enjoy. It’s simple to prepare, making it great for both experienced cooks and beginners. Plus, it incorporates fresh ingredients that bring a taste of summer to your table all year round.
How to Make Irresistible Caprese Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup creamy sauce (such as Alfredo or a homemade cream sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Olive oil (for drizzling, optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, fresh mozzarella, diced tomatoes, and chopped basil.
- Pour in the creamy sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Irresistible Caprese Chicken Casserole
Serve this casserole hot, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. For an extra touch, you can garnish each plate with additional fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
How to Store Irresistible Caprese Chicken Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven until heated through.
Tips to Make Irresistible Caprese Chicken Casserole
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Feel free to add other veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce.
- Make your own cream sauce for better flavor.
Variation
Consider adding a layer of pesto for an extra burst of flavor. Another option is to swap the mozzarella for another cheese like goat cheese or feta for a different taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use canned chicken. Just drain it well and shred it before mixing it into the casserole.
Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
A: Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms and use a plant-based creamy sauce.
Q: How do I make the casserole ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when you are ready to serve.
Caprese Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and comforting dish that combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with tender chicken, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup creamy sauce (such as Alfredo or a homemade cream sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Olive oil (for drizzling, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, fresh mozzarella, diced tomatoes, and chopped basil.
- Pour in the creamy sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Caprese, Chicken, Casserole, Italian, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner