It’s hard to refuse a good chicken casserole recipe — it gives some serious comfort food vibes. Casseroles have a lot going for them: They’re one-pan meals that you can prep ahead of time. They often combine protein, vegetables, a grain, and a creamy sauce in one dish, so they feel like a complete meal. Most of the time, they freeze and reheat well, too.
One drawback: Casserole recipes often lean on processed ingredients (condensed soups are a regular) and tons of cheese or cream. If you love a good chicken casserole but want a lighter version, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve gathered cozy chicken casserole recipes that go lighter on the cream and cheese, and swap in more protein-rich yogurt and other beneficial ingredients. Some are gluten-free, low carb, or even Whole30 friendly. There’s something for every eating style in these chicken casserole recipes — and, a bonus: You can make any of them in less than an hour.
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1. Creamy Chicken Quinoa Broccoli Casserole
Courtesy of Pinch of Yum
With quinoa and chicken, this simple casserole is loaded with protein, about 29 grams per serving. Instead of dumping in canned soup, you whip up a quick sauce that contains milk, Gruyere cheese, and a few simple pantry seasonings.
Try this recipe from Pinch of Yum.
2. Butternut Squash, Chicken, and Wild Rice Casserole
Courtesy of Ambitious Kitchen
This casserole is full of color, textures, and flavors to wake up your senses, thanks to butternut squash, nutty wild rice, tart dried cranberries, chicken, and Parmesan. It packs 29 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber per serving, so it’s really satisfying, too.
Try this recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.
3. Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Courtesy of Gimme Some Oven
Here’s a better-for-you update to the classic chicken and broccoli casserole. It’s light on the pasta (use whole grain, chickpea, or gluten-free, if you like), and generous on the vegetables and chicken. Plus, you make the creamy mushroom sauce from scratch (it’s easy, we promise). Make it as is, or use the recipe as a guide and swap proteins, vegetables, or seasonings to suit your taste.
Try this recipe from Gimme Some Oven.
4. Chicken Divan
Courtesy of Skinnytaste
Chicken Divan is a classic: The combination of chicken, broccoli, and a creamy-cheesy sauce topped with breadcrumbs just may be the OG. In this version, the amount of broccoli is generous, you make the rich two-cheese sauce from scratch, and the breadcrumbs are whole wheat (or gluten-free). It still feels indulgent, but with some healthier touches. With 42 grams of protein per serving, it’s definitely a hearty, satisfying meal.
Try this recipe from Skinnytaste.
5. Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Courtesy of Fit Foodie Finds
This gluten-free dish puts everything you love about chicken pot pie into a casserole. Instead of topping it with biscuits or pie crust, you fold in some rice, so you still get that bit of starchiness a casserole needs, but the emphasis is on the chicken and veggies. It’s a great way to use frozen veggies, too.
Try this recipe from Fit Foodie Finds.
6. Wild Rice Chicken Casserole
Courtesy of The Roasted Root
This recipe offers the coziness of a traditional chicken casserole, but with a few touches that make it unique. For one, it calls for wild rice (fun fact: It’s not actually rice, but a grass seed, who knew?). Also, the creaminess comes from coconut milk. And it has hazelnuts. All in all, this is one festive casserole you could even serve to guests. It’s gluten-free, too.
Try this recipe from The Roasted Root.
7. Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
Courtesy of Life in the Lofthouse
Here’s something you might not have thought to turn into a casserole, but it works. Any mix of stir-fry veggies works here, frozen or fresh, so you can vary it based on your faves. You can prep this ahead and freeze it for up to two months. Thaw it in the fridge, then bake it for an Asian-style twist on chicken casserole. It’s super satisfying, too, with 31 grams of protein per serving.
Try this recipe from Life in the Lofthouse.
8. Healthy Baked Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Courtesy of Real Good Food
Buffalo wings are so popular — why not apply that flavor to a chicken casserole? This version happens to be dairy-free and Whole30 friendly, too. Instead of rice or noodles, the base is spaghetti squash, which keeps carbs in check. Drizzle it with ranch dressing and, if you don’t mind dairy, sprinkle with a little blue cheese just before serving (or offer it on the side).
Try this recipe from Real Good Food.
9. Chicken Fajita Casserole
Courtesy of Eat the Gains
We love casserole recipes that riff on our favorite dishes — in this case, chicken fajitas. For this casserole, skip the tortillas and fold in brown rice, along with the bell peppers and onions that are a must in fajitas. Top it with any or all of your favorite fajita fixings, like avocado, ripe olives, chopped fresh cilantro, and/or dollops of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
Try this recipe from Eat the Gains.
10. Low-Carb Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Courtesy of Wholesome Yum
Chicken, bacon, and ranch — sounds like the makings of a seriously delicious casserole. For this low-carb dish (only 6 grams per serving, and a whopping 37 grams of protein), you whip up an easy homemade ranch, which you’ll want to make again for salads, wings, and other dishes, too. The bacon adds a nice salty crunch.
Try this recipe from Wholesome Yum.
11. Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
Courtesy of Jar of Lemons
Poppy seeds add flavor and a little crunch to this inventive casserole, which also features chicken, broccoli, Greek yogurt, and herbs. This unconventional spin on a casserole gets props for speed (it’s ready within 30 minutes, thanks to pre-cooked chicken). Bonus: Leftovers make a really good lunch.
Try this recipe from Jar of Lemons.
12. Mediterranean Chicken Casserole
Courtesy of It’s Not Complicated Recipes
For a summery take on a casserole that’s good any time of year, this recipe combines juicy chicken thighs with tomatoes, zucchini, red bell peppers, and fresh parsley. Feta and kalamata olives give it the Mediterranean touch. It’s grain-free, and you won’t miss it — especially since each serving has 64 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber.
Try this recipe from It’s Not Complicated Recipes.
13. Mexican Chicken Casserole
Courtesy of Well Plated
Chicken, quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, and, of course, plenty of cheese — when you’re craving Mexican food, this casserole will be your go-to. The base is creamy thanks to protein-rich Greek yogurt. Top it with fresh cilantro, avocado, and sliced radishes for a bit of freshness and a pop of color.
Try this recipe from Well Plated.
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