Vegetable Chicken Casserole with a Fine, Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Dice the Vegetables:
   • • Cut the zucchini, red pepper, and yellow pepper into bite-sized pieces.

    

   • Finely chop the onion.
2. Prep the Chicken:
   • • Dice the chicken breast fillet into small cubes.

    

   • Season the chicken lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Thaw the Broccoli:
   • • If using frozen broccoli, ensure it is thawed and drained well. If there’s excess water, pat it dry with a kitchen towel.

    

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

1. 1. Preheat the Oven:
      • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

1. 1. Sauté the Chicken:
      • In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat.
      • Add the diced chicken and cook until it is no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • • In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the chopped onion until it is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
     • Add the zucchini, red pepper, and yellow pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften but still retain their color.
     • Finally, add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 more minutes.

    

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   • • In a saucepan, combine the cream and cream cheese over medium heat. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and smooth.
     • Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using).

    

   • Continue to stir until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
2. Mix in the Grated Cheese:
   • • Remove the saucepan from the heat, then stir in the grated cheese until it melts completely into the sauce.

    

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. 1. Layer the Ingredients:
      • • In a greased baking dish, spread the cooked chicken evenly across the bottom.
        • Add the sautéed vegetables on top of the chicken.

       

   2. Pour the Sauce:
      • Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Use a spoon to spread it evenly so that the sauce covers the entire dish.

1. Bake the Casserole:
   • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish:
   • • Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.

    

   • Sprinkle the top with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
2. Serve:
   • Serve hot, either on its own or with a side of rice, pasta, or crusty bread.