This Veggie and Chicken Swiss Casserole is a wholesome, savory dish packed with flavor and nutrients. With tender chicken, brown rice, black beans, and a delicious blend of vegetables, this casserole is both satisfying and healthy. Topped with melted Swiss cheese, it’s the perfect comfort food to serve any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole brings together the rich flavors of cumin and cayenne pepper, the earthy taste of black beans and veggies, and the creamy melt of Swiss cheese. It’s a filling dish that’s as comforting as it is nutritious. The combination of rice, chicken, and vegetables makes it a balanced meal, while the gooey cheese topping adds just the right amount of indulgence. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or prepping it for a potluck, it’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
For the Casserole:
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⅓ cup brown rice
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1 cup vegetable broth
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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⅓ cup diced onion
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1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
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2 cooked skinless boneless chicken breast halves, chopped
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½ cup sliced mushrooms
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½ teaspoon cumin
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Salt to taste
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Ground cayenne pepper to taste
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1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
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1 (4-ounce) can diced green chile peppers, drained
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⅓ cup shredded carrots
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2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
In a medium pot, combine the brown rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Set it aside once cooked.
Step 2: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables and Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the zucchini, cooked chicken, and mushrooms. Season the mixture with cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper, cooking until the zucchini is lightly browned, and the chicken is heated through.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, and chicken, along with black beans, diced green chiles, shredded carrots, and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined, then transfer it to the prepared casserole dish.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Swiss cheese over the casserole. Cover loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, uncover the casserole and bake for another 10 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned on top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. For extra flavor, garnish with fresh herbs or add a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy this warm, cheesy comfort food!
Variations
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Make it spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to kick up the heat.
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Swap the cheese: If you don’t have Swiss cheese, you can use mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
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Add more veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to pack in even more nutrients.
Storage and Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, you can use white rice, but keep in mind it will cook faster than brown rice. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes, this casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe dish.
Can I make this dish vegan?
To make this casserole vegan, substitute the chicken with tofu or another plant-based protein, use dairy-free cheese, and replace the sour cream with a plant-based alternative.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
To add more spice, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add fresh chilies or hot sauce to the mix.
Conclusion
This Veggie-Packed Quinoa Casserole is the perfect meal for any occasion. With its healthy ingredients, comforting flavors, and cheesy topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it on a weeknight or serving it at a gathering, it’s a dish everyone will love
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Veggie and Chicken Swiss Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Veggie-Packed Chicken and Swiss Casserole is the perfect meal for any occasion. With its healthy ingredients, comforting flavors, and cheesy topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it on a weeknight or serving it at a gathering, it’s a dish everyone will love. The combination of tender chicken, rice, veggies, and gooey Swiss cheese creates a satisfying, flavorful meal. Enjoy this wholesome and delicious dish today!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
⅓ cup brown rice
1 cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
⅓ cup diced onion
1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
2 cooked skinless boneless chicken breast halves, chopped
½ cup sliced mushrooms
½ teaspoon cumin
Salt to taste
Ground cayenne pepper to taste
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chile peppers, drained
⅓ cup shredded carrots
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
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In a medium pot, combine the brown rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Set aside once cooked.
Step 2: Prepare the Oven
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables and Chicken
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the zucchini, cooked chicken, and mushrooms. Season the mixture with cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper, cooking until the zucchini is lightly browned, and the chicken is heated through.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, and chicken, along with black beans, diced green chiles, shredded carrots, and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined, then transfer it to the prepared casserole dish.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
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Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Swiss cheese over the casserole. Cover loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, uncover the casserole and bake for another 10 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned on top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
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Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or add a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. Enjoy this warm, cheesy comfort food!
Notes
- Make it Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to kick up the heat.
- Swap the Cheese: If you don’t have Swiss cheese, you can use mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to pack in even more nutrients
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: american
