Italian Chicken Casserole

Italian Chicken Casserole Recipe - Authentic & Flavorful

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Italian Chicken Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of Italy with the convenience of a casserole. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering.

History

Italian Chicken Casserole is a modern twist on traditional Italian flavors. It combines classic ingredients like tomatoes, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning with ground chicken and rice to create a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 x 14.5 oz (411 g) can of no-salt added stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 x 6 oz (170 g) can of no-salt tomato paste
1 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms
0.5 cup of water
2 tsp of italian seasoning
2 tsp of ground black pepper, divided
1 medium eggplant, thinly sliced into 0.25 inch slices
vegetable cooking spray
1 tsp of garlic powder
1 lb (454 g) of ground chicken
0.75 tsp of salt
3 cups of cooked rice (cooked without salt or fat)
1 cup of low-fat, low-salt ricotta cheese, divided
1 cup (4 oz (113 g)) of part skim milk shredded mozzarella, divided

How to prepare

In a 2- to 3 qt (2.84 liter) saucepan, combine stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, mushrooms, water, Italian seasoning, 1 tsp of pepper, and garlic powder. Simmer over medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and place it over medium-low heat until hot. Cook the eggplant slices for 6 to 8 minutes or until soft, reapplying cooking spray as necessary. Transfer to a warm plate and set aside.
Sprinkle the chicken with salt and the remaining 1 tsp of pepper.
Re-coat the skillet with cooking spray and place it over medium-high heat until hot. Cook the chicken for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink. Combine the sauce with the cooked rice.
Cover the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray with the eggplant slices.
Top with half of the chicken, 1.5 cups of the rice mixture, 0.5 cup of ricotta cheese, and 0.5 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 20 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or beef for the ground chicken.
Add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Use different types of cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the eggplant thinly to ensure it cooks evenly.

- Cooking the chicken in batches ensures that it cooks evenly and doesn't become overcrowded in the skillet.

- Letting the sauce cool slightly before assembling the casserole helps prevent the layers from becoming too watery.

Serving Suggestions

Italian Chicken Casserole pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the sauce helps to develop the flavors and create a rich and flavorful base for the casserole.

- Layering the ingredients in the baking dish ensures that each bite is filled with delicious flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned diced tomatoes instead of stewed tomatoes.

- Substitute quinoa or couscous for the rice.

- Use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this casserole.

Make Ahead Tips

Italian Chicken Casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish with foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a pop of color and added freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Italian Chicken Casserole pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Italian Chicken Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 350 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 15 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Italian Chicken Casserole is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (ricotta and mozzarella cheese) and gluten (from the pasta) allergens.

Summary

Italian Chicken Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a family meal.

Summary

Italian Chicken Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of Italy with the convenience of a casserole. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as a good mix of vitamins and minerals, this recipe is a nutritious and satisfying choice for a family meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a picture of a steaming hot Italian Chicken Casserole caught my eye. The colorful peppers and tomatoes, the savory herbs and spices - it all looked so inviting.

I immediately knew that I had to try making this dish. It reminded me of the flavors of my childhood, of Sunday dinners at my Nonna's house, of the warmth and love that surrounded us as we sat around the table, sharing stories and laughter.

But as I read through the recipe, I realized that it was quite different from anything I had ever made before. It called for ingredients that I had never used, like artichoke hearts and capers. It required techniques that were unfamiliar to me, like marinating the chicken in wine and herbs before baking it in the oven.

I felt a surge of excitement and trepidation. Could I pull off this complex dish? Could I do justice to the flavors and traditions of Italy that were woven into its very essence? I knew that I had to try.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, taking care to choose the freshest produce and the finest cuts of chicken. I marinated the meat in a mixture of white wine, garlic, and rosemary, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. I sautéed the vegetables - bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes - until they were tender and fragrant. I added the artichoke hearts and capers, letting their briny notes cut through the richness of the dish.

As I layered the ingredients in a baking dish, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. The casserole looked beautiful, with its vibrant colors and enticing aromas. I popped it into the oven, feeling a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.

When the timer finally beeped, I pulled the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then I served it up, spooning generous portions onto plates and garnishing them with fresh parsley. I watched as my family dug in, their eyes widening with delight as they tasted the complex flavors and tender textures.

"This is amazing, Nonna!" my granddaughter exclaimed, her mouth full of chicken and vegetables. "How did you learn to make this?"

I smiled, a twinkle in my eye. "Oh, it's a recipe that I picked up along the way," I replied. "I've always loved experimenting with new flavors and techniques, and this dish just spoke to me."

And it was true. Over the years, I had learned to cook from a variety of sources - cookbooks, cooking shows, friends and family members. I had traveled the world through my kitchen, exploring the cuisines of different cultures and regions. And with each new recipe, I had added to my repertoire, honing my skills and expanding my culinary horizons.

But this Italian Chicken Casserole was special. It was more than just a dish - it was a connection to my heritage, to the traditions and memories that had shaped me into the cook I was today. It was a reminder that food is not just sustenance, but a form of art and expression, a way to share love and create lasting bonds.

As I watched my loved ones savoring every bite of the casserole, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. I knew that I had succeeded in capturing the essence of Italy in a single dish, in bringing a taste of my past into the present. And as I sat back, basking in the warmth of their appreciation, I felt grateful for the journey that had led me to this moment - a journey of discovery, creativity, and love.