Healthy Chicken Casseroles

Photo: Brian Woodcock

Lighter Casserole Options

Traditionally high in calories, fat, and cholesterol, casseroles have long-since been a healthy eating faux-pas. However, our lighter, nutritionally healthier options offer exciting twists on the classics and equally desirable results for a meal the whole family will enjoy.

Our Tortilla Chip Casserole recipe retains all the full-flavor of this popular chicken comfort dish but with lighter ingredients, coming in at just around 380 calories per serving.

View Recipe: Tortilla Chip Casserole

Photo: Randy Mayor

Mexican Chicken Casserole with Charred Tomato Salsa

Instead of the usual jarred salsa often called for in Mexican casserole, this recipe features a homemade salsa made with charred tomatoes that are mixed with cilantro and fresh lime juice. Charring the tomatoes gives a rich flavor to the salsa, which is a good match for this chicken-and-veggie-packed dish.

View Recipe: Mexican Chicken Casserole with Charred Tomato Salsa

Photo: John Autry

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This Tex-Mex chicken enchilada casserole is a delicious dinner option when you're craving Southwestern-style comfort food. Full of flavor from the cilantro, cumin, chopped onion, and pickled jalapeño pepper, it’s a dish that is well worth the preparation time in the kitchen.

View Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Photo: Randy Mayor

Chicken Tetrazzini

A classic that makes great use of leftover turkey or chicken. It’s so creamy and comforting that you’ll be glad it makes two casseroles—one for now and one for later.

View Recipe: Chicken Tetrazzini

Photo: John Autry

Chicken and Rice Casserole

This comfort classic recipe is the perfect dish for dinner during the week. The contrasting colors of the yellow and green squash give the meal a nice appearance, but you can choose to use just one or the other if you prefer.

View Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Photo: Melissa Springer

Aunt Liz’s Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This chicken spaghetti casserole is low in calories and can easily be made ahead. The recipe makes two casseroles so enjoy one for dinner and freeze the other for later, or serve as a main course at large family gatherings.

View Recipe: Aunt Liz’s Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Photo: Randy Mayor

Chicken Tamale Casserole

This Chicken Tamale casserole is a quick and easy swap for more traditional tamales - but just as delicious! Original tamale recipes are too time-consuming for weeknight meals, but corn bread mix approximates the flavor and speeds up the cook time.

View Recipe: Chicken Tamale Casserole

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Trade the traditional enchilada sauce for a creamy, cheesy topping on this Mexican chicken casserole recipe. Your family will never know they're enjoying a lightened version of this delicious meal.

View Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Traditionally served during holidays, this casserole is perfect for dinner year-round. Serve with a simple green salad for a healthy, well-rounded, full-flavored meal.

View Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Parmesan Chicken and Rice Casserole

Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty flavor to this creamy chicken casserole recipe. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a great option for weekday family dinners or to serve to company.

View Recipe: Parmesan Chicken and Rice Casserole

Photo: Jeff Kauck

Chicken Poblano Casserole

Not only is this casserole a good source of niacin (mainly from the chicken), but one serving also supplies about 60 percent of your daily calcium needs. Fresh corn and corn tortillas offer an ample amount of folate, too, and the best part is, it tastes great!

View Recipe: Chicken Poblano Casserole

Photo: Randy Mayor

Green Chile-Chicken Casserole

Just about every New Mexican home has a favorite version of this spicy chicken casserole recipe. This one features the convenience of canned cream of chicken soup, and you can make it a day ahead.

View Recipe: Green Chile-Chicken Casserole

Photo: Randy Mayor

Hot Chicken and Chips Retro

This recipe has a nostalgic appeal that harks back to the 1950s and '60s. If preparing ahead of time, we recommend adding the baked potato chips when ready to bake, to avoid a soggy texture in the casserole.

View Recipe: Hot Chicken and Chips Retro