Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Bake

### **Instructions:**

#### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. This temperature ensures the casserole cooks through without drying out the chicken or vegetables.

#### **Step 2: Prepare the Chicken**
If using **boneless, skinless chicken breasts**, lightly season them with **salt**, **pepper**, **garlic powder**, and **onion powder**. You can either cube the chicken or leave it whole. If you’re using **chicken thighs**, you can follow the same seasoning process. For faster cooking, cutting the chicken into bite-sized cubes is ideal.

#### **Step 3: Cook the Chicken**
In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for about **5-7 minutes**, until the chicken is browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center. If the chicken is cut into cubes, ensure it cooks evenly. Once cooked, set the chicken aside.

#### **Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables**
In the same skillet, add the **carrots**, **broccoli**, **bell pepper**, and **zucchini**. Sauté for about **5-7 minutes**, until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp. You want them to maintain some texture even after baking.

#### **Step 5: Assemble the Casserole**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken and vegetables. Add the **cream of chicken soup**, **chicken broth**, and **thyme**. Stir until the chicken and vegetables are well coated in the sauce. Season with **salt** and **pepper** to taste.

#### **Step 6: Add the Cheese**
Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture into a greased baking dish (9×13-inch size works well). Sprinkle the shredded **cheddar cheese** and **mozzarella cheese** evenly over the top.

#### **Step 7: Bake the Casserole**
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for **20-25 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is hot throughout.

#### **Step 8: Garnish and Serve**
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

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## **Variations and Customizations**

One of the great things about **Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Bake** is how customizable it is. Here are a few ways you can tweak the recipe to fit your preferences or dietary needs:

### **1. Dairy-Free Version**
To make this dish dairy-free, skip the cheese and use **dairy-free cheese alternatives** or a creamy sauce made with coconut milk or cashew cream. You can also replace the **cream of chicken soup** with a non-dairy alternative.

### **2. Low-Carb or Keto Version**
For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, swap out the higher-carb vegetables like carrots and zucchini with cauliflower, green beans, or other non-starchy vegetables. You can also skip the potatoes and use a cauliflower-based sauce to keep the dish creamy.

### **3. Add More Protein**
To increase the protein content, you can add **chopped turkey**, **sausage**, or **bacon** to the casserole. These additions will enhance the flavor and make the dish more filling.

### **4. Vegetarian Version**
To make this dish vegetarian, you can omit the chicken entirely and instead use **tofu**, **tempeh**, or **seitan** as the protein source. You could also add extra vegetables like **mushrooms**, **eggplant**, or **sweet potatoes** for more variety.

### **5. Spice It Up**
For those who love a bit of heat, add **chili flakes**, **jalapeños**, or **hot sauce** to the casserole before baking. This will add a nice kick to the dish without overpowering the flavors.

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## **Conclusion**

**Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Bake** is the perfect dish for a cozy, filling meal that doesn’t require hours of preparation. With its combination of tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and gooey cheese, it’s a crowd-pleasing casserole that appeals to people of all ages. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to suit your preferences, whether you’re looking for a low-carb version, a vegetarian alternative, or a spicy twist. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can create a comforting, wholesome meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.

So, next time you’re looking for an easy-to-make and satisfying dinner, reach for this **Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Bake** recipe and enjoy a meal that’s guaranteed to leave you feeling full and content!