Oven-Baked Chicken Mushroom Cheese Casserole

🍗 Oven-Baked Chicken Mushroom Cheese Casserole (Mediterranean Style)

✨ Description

This Oven-Baked Chicken Mushroom Cheese Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish inspired by Mediterranean home cooking. Instead of heavy cream soups, it uses olive oil, garlic, herbs, yogurt, and cheese for richness without heaviness. Tender baked chicken, earthy mushrooms, and melted cheese come together in a protein-packed meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

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🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–5)

Chicken & Vegetables

• 1½ lb (700 g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon thyme

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Salt to taste

Creamy Layer

• ¾ cup Greek yogurt (or labneh)

• ½ cup milk or chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheese Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup grated Parmesan or feta

Optional Add-Ins

• Spinach or kale (1 cup)

• Red pepper flakes

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven
   Set oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.

2. Sauté vegetables
   Heat olive oil in a pan. Cook onions and mushrooms for 5–7 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

3. Season chicken
   Toss chicken with paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

4. Assemble casserole
   Spread chicken in the baking dish. Top with mushroom mixture. Add spinach if using.

5. Mix creamy layer
   Whisk yogurt, milk, and olive oil. Pour evenly over casserole.

6. Add cheese
   Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.

7. Bake
   Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 more minutes until golden and bubbly.

8. Rest & serve
   Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

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🥗 Mediterranean Health Highlights

• Olive oil instead of butter

• Greek yogurt for creaminess + protein

• Lean protein from chicken

• Herbs for flavor without excess salt

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❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

A: Yes! Breasts work well—just avoid overbaking to keep them juicy.

Q: Will yogurt curdle in the oven?

A: No, as long as you use full-fat Greek yogurt and bake at moderate heat.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Is this low-carb?

A: Yes! It’s naturally low-carb and keto-friendly (skip onion if needed).

Q: What should I serve with it?

A:

• Mediterranean salad

• Roasted vegetables

• Brown rice or crusty whole-grain bread