INTRODUCTION
A Few of My Favorite Things Casserole is a warm, easy bake that mixes chicken, pasta, broccoli, and cheese into a homey dish. This casserole gives comfort and good protein in each bite. If you enjoy simple, cozy casseroles, you may also like the rich flavors of an autumn butternut squash and Italian sausage casserole for a different season and taste.
This recipe is easy to follow and works well as a healthy version of a classic comfort meal. It is a lighter option when you swap a few ingredients. It also makes a great high protein meal and is great for meal prep for busy weeks.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this casserole because it is simple, filling, and fairly fast to prepare. It gives a good amount of protein from the chicken and cheese. The broccoli adds fiber and vitamins, which helps balance the meal. This casserole is a great option for people who want a family-friendly dish that can be portioned for lunches or quick dinners.
This dish can be a lighter option for those watching calories or aiming for weight loss by using low-fat cheese, whole wheat or high-protein pasta, and low-sodium soup. If you enjoy the mix of sweet and salty treats after a meal, pair it with a small dessert like Christmas Crack saltine cracker toffee for a special treat on rare occasions, but keep desserts small for a healthier balance.
HOW TO MAKE A Few of My Favorite Things Casserole
This section walks you through the main ideas and tips when you build this casserole. You will learn small changes that make it healthier or more protein packed. For example, if you need more veg or a different texture, add mushrooms or bell peppers. For a lower calorie and low carb twist, read the variations below or try another hearty bake like the autumn butternut squash and Italian sausage casserole for ideas on swapping main items.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13 inch baking dish, greased
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Small bowl for topping mix
- Oven mitts and cooling rack
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed crackers (for topping)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, pasta, broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
HOW TO SERVE A Few of My Favorite Things Casserole
Serve this casserole warm in moderate portions. A single serving size is about 1 to 1 1/2 cups for a main meal. For a balanced plate, pair one serving of the casserole with a large side salad or steamed green beans. To keep the meal light and good for weight loss, add more fresh greens and limit bread or heavy side items.
For diabetic-friendly serving, control portion size carefully and avoid adding sugary sides. Use whole grain or legume pasta to help lower the meal’s glycemic impact and add fiber. A few small lemon wedges or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top add bright flavor without extra calories.
STORAGE & FREEZING : A Few of My Favorite Things Casserole
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until hot, or heat single portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
To freeze, cool the casserole fully, then cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven. If you plan to freeze, consider under-baking by 10 minutes before cooling to avoid overcooking when reheated.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Pair with a mixed green salad, topped with a light vinaigrette, to add fiber and keep the plate balanced.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or a medley of root vegetables work well for added nutrients.
- For a lower calorie side, serve sliced cucumber and cherry tomatoes with a splash of lemon. If you want a small treat after dinner, enjoy a modest piece of Christmas Crack saltine cracker toffee occasionally, but keep it small to stay on track with health goals.
Healthy serving ideas:
- Make a single-serve plate with 1 cup casserole + 1 cup salad.
- Use portion-control containers for meal prep to limit overeating.
- Add a side of fresh fruit for dessert to increase fiber and lower sugar craving.
VARIATIONS
- Healthier version: Use low-fat cheddar, low-sodium cream soup or homemade white sauce with skim milk, and whole wheat or chickpea pasta. Add more broccoli or spinach to increase fiber. This keeps it a lighter option and more heart healthy.
- High-protein or low-carb version: Replace pasta with cooked high-protein pasta (like chickpea or lentil pasta) for more protein, or swap pasta for riced cauliflower to make a low carb casserole. Use Greek yogurt mixed with a small amount of milk to replace some soup for more protein and less fat. This makes a high protein meal that supports muscle repair and keeps carbs lower.
- Air fryer or oven-baked version: For a smaller batch, build the casserole in an oven-safe pan that fits your air fryer basket. Cook at 320°F for 15–20 minutes until hot, then top with crushed crackers and air fry at 350°F for 4–6 minutes to crisp. For oven baking, follow the main directions and bake in a 9×13 dish as given. The air fryer method gives a quicker crisp top for single servings.
FAQs
Q: Is this casserole good for weight loss?
A: Yes. Use smaller portions and make the healthier version with low-fat cheese, whole grain pasta, or extra vegetables to reduce calories. Portion control and side choices make it good for weight loss.
Q: Can I make this diabetic-friendly?
A: Yes. Choose whole grain or legume pasta, low-sodium soup, and add more vegetables. Watch portion size and pair with a non-starchy vegetable side to keep blood sugar steady.
Q: How long does this casserole last in the fridge?
A: Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container. Reheat well before eating.
Q: Can I freeze the casserole and how long will it last?
A: Yes. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Cover tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Q: How can I add more fiber to the dish?
A: Use whole wheat or legume pasta, add extra broccoli, spinach, or peas. These choices will add fiber and make the meal more filling.
Q: Is this high protein?
A: The dish is a high protein meal when made with a full pound of chicken and the cheese. For even more protein, use Greek yogurt in the sauce or add beans on the side.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR A Few of My Favorite Things Casserole
- Prep the filling up to 48 hours ahead. Mix chicken, pasta, veggies, sauce, and spices and store in the fridge until ready to bake. Keep the cracker topping separate until just before baking. This makes it great for meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.
- For freezing, assemble the casserole and cover tightly. Freeze unbaked and move from freezer to oven; add 10–15 minutes to the bake time if you bake from frozen.
- For single-serve meal prep, bake in smaller pans or divide into containers. This helps control portions and makes it easy to reheat lunches.
This casserole can fit into a balanced plan. It gives protein, can offer fiber with simple swaps, and can be made lower calorie or low carb when needed. The dish stays simple, cozy, and flexible, so you can make a healthy version or a richer comfort meal depending on the day. Enjoy a lighter option on busy nights or make a bigger batch for easy meals all week.
A Few of My Favorite Things Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, pasta, broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 90-95 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.