Everything Bagel Seasoned Chicken Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Dinner
Looking for a simple yet flavorful dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite? This Everything Bagel Seasoned Chicken Casserole is the answer! It combines the comforting familiarity of a classic casserole with the irresistible savory notes of everything bagel seasoning. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights, and the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious. This recipe is easily customizable, too, so feel free to swap out vegetables or cheese based on what you have on hand. Get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting, and utterly satisfying meal!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe stands out for several reasons:
* **Flavor Explosion:** The everything bagel seasoning brings a unique and delicious flavor profile, adding savory notes of garlic, onion, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and salt. It elevates the chicken from ordinary to extraordinary.
* **Ease of Preparation:** This casserole is incredibly simple to make. There’s no need for complicated cooking techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a few simple steps and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
* **Customizability:** Feel free to adapt this recipe to your liking. You can easily swap out the vegetables or cheese for your preferred options. Want to add some heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick!
* **Comfort Food:** Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food. They are warm, hearty, and satisfying, making them perfect for chilly evenings or when you simply need a pick-me-up.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This recipe uses affordable ingredients, making it a great option for feeding a family on a budget.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** This casserole stores well in the refrigerator and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping. Cook it once and enjoy delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients you’ll need to create this masterpiece:
* **Chicken:** 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** 2-3 tablespoons, depending on your preference. You can find this seasoning at most grocery stores, or you can easily make your own by combining equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and salt.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, for sautéing the vegetables and chicken. You can substitute with other cooking oils like avocado oil or canola oil.
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped. Yellow or white onions work best.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color). I personally prefer a mix of red and green for the visual appeal, but feel free to use your favorite color.
* **Broccoli Florets:** 2 cups, chopped. You can substitute with other vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, or asparagus.
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces, softened. This adds creaminess and richness to the casserole. You can use full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese.
* **Sour Cream:** 1/2 cup. This adds tanginess and moisture. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/2 cup. This helps to create a sauce and keeps the chicken moist. You can use low-sodium chicken broth.
* **Shredded Cheese:** 1.5 cups (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend). Use your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp flavor, while mozzarella cheese is mild and melty.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
* **Optional Add-ins:**
* Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Adds extra flavor to the vegetables.
* Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste). Adds a touch of heat.
* Mushrooms: 1 cup, sliced. Adds earthy flavor and texture.
* Spinach: 2 cups, chopped. Adds nutrients and color.
* Corn: 1 cup. Adds sweetness and texture.
* Diced Tomatoes: 1 cup. Adds acidity and flavor.
* Green Onions: 2-3, sliced. For garnish, adds a fresh oniony flavor.
* Hot Sauce: A few dashes to give it a spicy kick.
* Everything Bagel Chips or Crackers: Crushed and sprinkled on top for added crunch.
Equipment Needed
* **Large Skillet or Dutch Oven:** For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
* **9×13 Inch Baking Dish:** For assembling and baking the casserole.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For preparing the sauce.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping vegetables and chicken.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Here are the detailed steps to create this delicious Everything Bagel Seasoned Chicken Casserole:
**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
* In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
* Add the chicken to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
* In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
* Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. If using garlic, add it in the last minute of cooking.
* Add the chopped broccoli florets and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
**Step 3: Prepare the Sauce**
* In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
* Stir in 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning (or more, to taste). Adjust seasonings accordingly.
**Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**
* Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Spread the sautéed vegetables evenly over the bottom of the dish.
* Arrange the cooked chicken pieces over the vegetables.
* Pour the cream cheese sauce over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
* Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
**Step 5: Bake the Casserole**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
* Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**
* Garnish with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, if desired.
* Serve the Everything Bagel Seasoned Chicken Casserole warm. It pairs perfectly with a side salad, steamed rice, or mashed potatoes.
Tips for Success
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Cook the chicken just until it is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Softened cream cheese is easier to mix and will create a smoother sauce. Leave it at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or microwave it for a few seconds.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more everything bagel seasoning, salt, or pepper to your liking.
* **Prevent Burning:** If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover the casserole with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.
* **Ensure Even Cooking:** Make sure the vegetables and chicken are evenly distributed in the baking dish for even cooking.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will enhance the flavor of the casserole.
* **Let it Rest:** Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
Variations and Substitutions
* **Use Different Protein:** Instead of chicken, you can use ground turkey, ground beef, or even canned tuna. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Add Different Vegetables:** Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or corn.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Try different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, provolone, or pepper jack.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free cream cheese and sour cream, and ensure that your everything bagel seasoning is also gluten-free.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** Substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives. Use a dairy-free shredded cheese.
* **Add a Crunchy Topping:** For added texture, top the casserole with crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or fried onions.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Use Rotisserie Chicken:** Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the casserole.
* **Make Individual Casseroles:** Divide the mixture into individual ramekins for single-serving casseroles. Adjust the baking time accordingly. These are great for portion control or individual preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This Everything Bagel Seasoned Chicken Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Side Salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
* **Steamed Rice:** Fluffy steamed rice is a simple and satisfying side dish that soaks up the creamy sauce.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that complements the casserole perfectly.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Quinoa:** A healthy alternative to rice, quinoa provides a nutty flavor and added protein.
* **Cauliflower Rice:** For a low-carb option, serve the casserole over cauliflower rice.
* **Bread Bowls:** Serve the casserole in bread bowls for a fun and rustic presentation.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:**
* **Oven:** Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Skillet:** Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the casserole and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method can help to crisp up the chicken and vegetables.
* **Freezing:** The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The texture of the sauce may change slightly after freezing and thawing.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*
* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 35-45g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 15-25g
* Fiber: 2-4g
Conclusion
This Everything Bagel Seasoned Chicken Casserole is a winning recipe for so many reasons. It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and customizable, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. The unique flavor of everything bagel seasoning elevates this casserole to something truly special, and the comforting nature of a casserole is always welcome. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that your whole family will love! Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own signature dish.
So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and create this amazing casserole tonight!