Description
A comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (raw)
- 1/2 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup 2% low-fat milk
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 cups uncooked wide egg noodles
- 12 oz. bag frozen mixed veggies (defrosted)
- 16 oz. jar of pepperoncini (drained and roughly chopped)
- 3 Tbsp. homemade ranch seasoning
- 3 Tbsp. dried parsley
- 1 Tbsp. dried dill
- 1 Tbsp. garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp. onion powder
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. fresh cracked pepper
- 1 Tbsp. dried chives (optional)
- 1.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup low-fat 2% milk
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Place the raw chicken in a large pot and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked through. Once done, shred the chicken with two forks or a hand mixer.
- While the chicken cooks, sauté the onions and garlic in cooking spray until the onions become slightly translucent and fragrant. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
- In the same pan used for onions and garlic, prepare the homemade cream of chicken soup substitute. Combine chicken broth, 1/2 cup milk, flour, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer over medium heat and whisk until thickened.
- When it resembles canned cream of chicken soup, remove it from the heat and add it to the mixing bowl with the onion mixture.
- Next, make the homemade ranch seasoning in a small mixing bowl. After that, add to the mixing bowl the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, low-fat milk, melted butter, half of the Monterey Jack cheese, uncooked noodles, mixed vegetables, chopped pepperoncini, and 3 tablespoons of homemade ranch seasoning. Mix all ingredients until well incorporated.
- Pour the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing it out with a spoon. Press the noodles into the mixture so they cook well. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese on top.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the noodles are tender, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you prefer a golden top, broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Customize the vegetables to suit your family’s preferences. Letting the casserole rest allows flavors to meld and easier serving.
