Creamy Chicken & Bean Casserole

🧀🌶️ Creamy Chicken & Bean Casserole

Mediterranean-Inspired Comfort Bake | High-Protein | Weeknight Easy

🫒 Description

This creamy, cheesy casserole is comfort food you can feel good about. Tender chicken, protein-rich beans, sweet corn, tomatoes, and warm spices come together in a rich but balanced sauce—finished with bubbly melted cheese. It’s cozy, filling, and perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family without guilt.

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🧺 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Protein & Veg Base

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

• 1 can (1½ cups) white beans or chickpeas, drained & rinsed

• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)

• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1 bell pepper, diced

Creamy Sauce

• ¾ cup Greek yogurt or cottage cheese (blended smooth)

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp cumin

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

• Fresh parsley or cilantro

• Sliced olives or jalapeños

• Avocado slices after baking

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Mix the Filling
   In a large bowl, combine chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper.

3. Make It Creamy
   Add Greek yogurt (or blended cottage cheese), olive oil, spices, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

4. Assemble
   Transfer mixture to baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.

5. Bake
   Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly with lightly golden cheese.

6. Rest & Serve
   Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with herbs and desired toppings.

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🍽 Mediterranean Serving Ideas

• With a fresh tomato–cucumber salad

• Over brown rice or quinoa

• Scooped into lettuce cups or whole-grain wraps

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❓ Q & A

Q: Why is this considered “guilt-free”?
A: It’s high in protein, uses olive oil instead of heavy cream, and relies on yogurt or cottage cheese for creaminess.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes—replace chicken with extra beans, lentils, or sautéed mushrooms.

Q: Is this good for meal prep?
A: Perfect! Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes—freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Add chili flakes, cayenne, or diced jalapeños.