Hearty & Healthy Harvest Chicken Casserole: Your Ultimate Fall Comfort Food Recipe (Weight Watchers Friendly!)

Embrace the cozy spirit of autumn with our exquisite Harvest Chicken Casserole, a dish that perfectly encapsulates the “farm-to-table” philosophy and the warmth of seasonal comfort food. This casserole is a celebration of fall’s bounty, artfully blending the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, the gentle crunch of almonds, and the succulent tenderness of juicy chicken. Each bite delivers a harmonious balance of savory and sweet, making it an instant classic for any autumn gathering.

There’s nothing quite like preparing this casserole during the crisp fall months when fresh, vibrant ingredients are at their peak and readily available from local markets. Not only is it incredibly delicious and visually appealing, but it’s also wonderfully mindful, coming in at just 5-Points per serving on Weight Watchers. This makes it a fantastic option for those seeking wholesome meals without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Get ready to delight your family and friends with a dish that looks as good as it tastes. For more wholesome and delightful recipes tailored for your wellness journey, be sure to explore our dedicated Weight Watchers Casseroles page!

Why This Harvest Chicken Casserole Deserves a Spot on Your Table

Beyond its undeniable deliciousness, our Harvest Chicken Casserole offers a myriad of compelling reasons to make it a staple in your fall cooking repertoire. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings convenience, health, and seasonal joy right to your dining table.

1. Celebrate Seasonal Goodness: This recipe is designed to help you savor the best of autumn. It utilizes fresh, peak-season ingredients like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and provides an excellent opportunity to use up leftover roasted chicken or turkey. Cooking with seasonal produce not only guarantees superior flavor and texture but also often means more nutrient-dense ingredients. Furthermore, buying in season can significantly reduce your grocery bill, keeping your wallet as happy as your taste buds during the fall harvest season.
2. Effortless Elegance & Minimal Cleanup: Imagine a dish that effortlessly impresses with its vibrant colors and inviting aroma, perfect for holiday gatherings or a special weeknight. This casserole certainly fits the bill! I’ve personally brought it to Thanksgiving dinner as a delightful side dish, and it was met with rave reviews. The beautiful medley of vegetables and golden chicken creates a stunning presentation that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. The best part? It’s a convenient one-pan meal, which means significantly fewer dishes to clean up afterward – an absolute bonus for busy cooks.
3. Unmatched Convenience & Meal Prep Friendly: Life gets hectic, but dinner doesn’t have to be a source of stress. This Harvest Chicken Casserole is a dream for meal preppers. You can easily prepare the entire dish ahead of time and simply reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Whether you’re planning a relaxed weekend feast, a nourishing lunch for the week, or a quick solution for a busy weeknight, having this ready-made casserole in the fridge offers unparalleled convenience and ensures a stress-free, delicious meal is always within reach. Its robust flavors even improve overnight!
4. Nutrient-Packed & Wellness Aligned: This casserole is a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with lean protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates and essential vitamins from sweet potatoes and carrots, and fiber from Brussels sprouts. The addition of dried cranberries provides a touch of natural sweetness and antioxidants, while almonds contribute healthy fats and a satisfying crunch. Being a Weight Watchers-friendly recipe at just 5 points per serving, it demonstrates that healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful and deeply satisfying, supporting your wellness goals without compromise.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 6 generous portions

Serving Size: Approximately 300 g.

5 WW Points Per Serving. For seamless tracking and to explore more details, you can view the recipe on the WW Apphere. (Please note: WW login is required to access the recipe within the app.)

Gather Your Harvest: Essential Ingredients

Each ingredient in this casserole plays a crucial role in creating its signature fall flavor profile and satisfying texture. From the savory chicken to the sweet cranberries, every component adds depth and character.

• 2 cups cooked roasted chicken breast, cubed (about 300 g) – The star protein, providing lean and tender bites.
• 1 teaspoon olive oil – For sautéing vegetables and adding a touch of healthy fat.
• 1 medium red onion, julienned (about 1 cup, 150 g) – Adds a sweet, pungent base flavor.
• 1 clove garlic, minced – Essential aromatic for savory depth.
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced (about 1 ½ cups, 220 g) – Provides natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a host of vitamins.
• 2 medium carrots, diced (about 1 cup, 130 g) – Adds sweetness, crunch, and nutritional value.
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries (50 g) – Offers bright, tart bursts of flavor that complement the savory elements.
• 1 packet cream of mushroom soup mix – The secret to a rich, creamy, and effortlessly savory sauce.
• 1 ½ cups skim milk (360 ml) – Creates a lighter, yet creamy, sauce when combined with the soup mix.
• 1 cup cooked brown rice (about 150 g) – Forms a hearty, fiber-rich base for the casserole.
• 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved (about 150 g) – Contributes a slightly bitter, earthy flavor and delightful texture.
• ½ cup sliced ​​almonds (optional, about 50 g) – Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Seasoning is key to bringing out all the flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Harvest Casserole

Follow these simple instructions to create a mouthwatering Harvest Chicken Casserole that will become a beloved fall tradition in your home.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even cooking from the moment your casserole goes in. Next, prepare a medium-sized casserole dish (approximately 9×13 inches or similar volume) by lightly greasing it with a tiny amount of olive oil or lining it with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables: In a large, sturdy skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the julienned red onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it begins to soften and become translucent, releasing its sweet aroma. Then, add the minced garlic, diced sweet potatoes, and carrots. Continue to cook these vegetables for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring periodically to ensure they cook evenly. The goal here is to get them slightly tender but not fully cooked, as they will finish cooking to perfection in the oven.
3. Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce: While your vegetables are sautéing, prepare the luscious cream sauce. In a small mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the packet of cream of mushroom soup mix with 1 1/2 cups of skim milk until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. This mixture will form the rich, creamy foundation of your casserole, binding all the delicious harvest ingredients together. Set it aside for now.
4. Thoughtfully Assemble the Casserole Layers: Now it’s time to build your masterpiece! In your prepared casserole dish, spread an even layer of the cooked brown rice across the bottom. This forms a wholesome and absorbent base. Next, distribute the cubed roasted chicken breast evenly over the rice. Then, layer the sautéed vegetables—softened onions, sweet potatoes, and carrots—over the chicken. Sprinkle the dried cranberries throughout the mixture; their tart sweetness will provide delightful pops of flavor. Finally, arrange the halved Brussels sprouts artfully around the top of the casserole, ensuring even distribution.
5. Generously Pour the Cream Sauce: Carefully pour the prepared cream of mushroom and milk mixture evenly over all the assembled ingredients in the dish. Use a spoon or spatula to gently spread the sauce, ensuring it covers most of the casserole’s surface and seeps down into the layers. If you’ve opted to include them, now is the perfect time to sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top for an added layer of texture and nutty flavor.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the uncovered casserole dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are fully tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the top is lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it; if you notice the top browning too quickly before the vegetables are tender, you can loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time to prevent over-browning.
7. Rest, Serve, and Savor: Once your Harvest Chicken Casserole is beautifully baked, carefully remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool and rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the flavors to meld together more deeply and the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve clean portions. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy this comforting fall dish!

Creative Variations and Smart Substitutions for Your Harvest Chicken Casserole

One of the most appealing aspects of this Harvest Chicken Casserole recipe is its incredible versatility. It’s wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to easily customize it to fit your dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or simply to explore new flavor combinations. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!

• Diversify Your Grain Base: If you’re looking to reduce carbohydrates, increase protein, or simply try a different texture, swapping the brown rice is a great option. Consider using quinoa for a complete protein boost and a slightly chewier texture, or cauliflower rice for a significantly lower-carb alternative that still provides bulk. Other excellent choices include farro, wild rice, or even barley, each lending a unique nutty flavor and satisfying chew.
• Boost the Veggie Content: This casserole is already packed with healthy vegetables, but there’s always room for more! Feel free to bulk it up with additional seasonal produce. Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) add a lovely sweetness and vibrant color. Cubed butternut squash can enhance the autumn theme and provide even more vitamins. Asparagus spears or green beans can be added during the last 15 minutes of baking for a fresh, crisp element. Hearty greens like spinach or kale can be wilted into the sautéed vegetables for an extra nutrient punch.
• Craft a Delicious Vegetarian Version: Transforming this into a meat-free marvel is incredibly simple. Instead of chicken, you can use firm tofu (pressed and cubed), chickpeas, or cannellini beans for a protein-packed vegetarian alternative. For a more “meaty” texture, consider sautéed mushrooms (like cremini or shiitake) or even plant-based chicken substitutes. Ensure your chosen protein is seasoned well to maintain the rich flavor profile.
• Explore Different Spices and Herbs: While the classic flavors are delightful, don’t be afraid to add your personal touch. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can emphasize the sweet potato’s warmth. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage, finely chopped and mixed into the sauce or sprinkled over the top before baking, will infuse the casserole with even more aromatic depth. For a slight kick, a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can awaken the palate.
• Cheese Please!: For those who love a cheesy top, a sprinkle of grated sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend of Italian cheeses during the last 10 minutes of baking will add a golden, bubbly crust and an extra layer of savory flavor.

Expert Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Harvest Chicken Casserole

Achieving casserole perfection is all about a few clever techniques. These tips will help ensure your Harvest Chicken Casserole turns out moist, flavorful, and wonderfully textured every single time.

1. Optimize with Pre-Cooked Chicken: One of the biggest time-savers for this recipe is utilizing pre-cooked chicken. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option, offering great flavor and convenience. Leftover roasted chicken or even grilled chicken breasts that you’ve prepped earlier in the week work perfectly. If you’re making this after a holiday, leftover turkey can also be a delicious substitution, infusing the casserole with familiar, comforting flavors. This step significantly cuts down on overall cooking time.
2. Precision in Vegetable Cutting: For the best results, aim to cut your sweet potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts into pieces of roughly the same size. Consistency in cutting ensures that all the vegetables cook evenly throughout the casserole. No one wants an undercooked, crunchy sweet potato next to an overly mushy Brussels sprout! Uniform pieces also contribute to the casserole’s appealing visual presentation.
3. Guard Against Dry Chicken: If you are cooking raw chicken specifically for this casserole, be mindful not to overcook it initially. The chicken will continue to cook and absorb flavors as the casserole bakes in the oven. Pre-cooking it just until it’s barely done will prevent it from drying out during the second round of cooking, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.
4. Unlock Flavor by Toasting Almonds: While optional, taking an extra couple of minutes to lightly toast your sliced almonds before adding them to the casserole will make a noticeable difference. Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and provides a much more satisfying, crisp crunch compared to raw almonds. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, or spread on a baking sheet in the oven for a few minutes until fragrant.
5. Reheating Leftovers Gracefully: To best preserve the moisture and flavor of your leftover Harvest Chicken Casserole, cover it loosely with aluminum foil when reheating. This traps steam and prevents the casserole from drying out. If the dish seems a bit dry, a small splash of chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water can help revive it and restore its creamy texture. Reheat in the oven at 300-325°F (150-160°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for individual servings.
6. Proper Storage for Longevity: This casserole stores beautifully. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this casserole freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into individual freezer-safe containers or a large freezer bag, and it will keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
7. Perfect Pairings: While this casserole is a complete meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A side of warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls is also excellent for soaking up every bit of the delicious creamy sauce.

5 from 1 vote

Harvest Chicken Casserole

Servings: 6

Prep: 20 minutes mins

Cook: 35 minutes mins

Total: 55 minutes mins

A veggie-packed chicken casserole using fall harvest ingredients.

Ingredients 

• ▢ 2 cups cooked roasted chicken breast, cubed (about 300 g)
• ▢ 1 teaspoon olive oil
• ▢ 1 medium red onion, julienned (about 1 cup, 150 g)
• ▢ 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced (about 1 ½ cups, 220 g)
• ▢ 2 medium carrots, diced (about 1 cup, 130 g)
• ▢ 1/3 cup dried cranberries, 50 g
• ▢ 1 packet cream of mushroom soup mix
• ▢ 1 ½ cups skim milk, 360 ml
• ▢ 1 cup cooked brown rice, about 150 g
• ▢ 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved (about 150 g)
• ▢ ½ cup sliced ​​almonds, optional, about 50 g
• ▢ Salt and pepper to taste
• ▢ 1 clove garlic, minced

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions 

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a medium-sized casserole dish by lightly greasing it with a tiny amount of olive oil or lining it with parchment paper.
• Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the julienned red onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it softens slightly. Next, add the garlic, diced sweet potatoes, and carrots, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The vegetables should start to become tender but not fully cooked, as they’ll finish in the oven.
• Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup mix and 1 1/2 cups of milk until fully combined. Set this aside; it will serve as the base for the casserole’s creamy texture.
• Assemble the Casserole: In your greased casserole dish, start by spreading an even layer of the cooked brown rice. This will serve as the base. Then, add the cubed roasted chicken breast evenly on top of the rice. Distribute the sautéed vegetables, including the softened onions, sweet potatoes, and carrots, over the chicken. Sprinkle the dried cranberries throughout the mixture for a sweet pop of flavor. Place the halved Brussels sprouts around the casserole.
• Pour the Cream Sauce: Gently pour the cream of mushroom and milk mixture over the assembled ingredients, ensuring it covers most of the dish. You can use a spoon to spread it evenly. If you’re using almonds, sprinkle it over the top.
• Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are fully tender. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil for the remaining baking time.
• Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

5 WW points per serving. 

 

Nutrition

Serving: 315gCalories: 192kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 13gFat: 2.9gSaturated Fat: 1.4gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 1198mgPotassium: 545mgFiber: 3.7gSugar: 13gCalcium: 147mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

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There you have it – a magnificent Harvest Chicken Casserole that is not only packed with the wholesome flavors of fall but also aligns perfectly with a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking for a simple yet impressive dish, this casserole promises a delightful culinary experience. Its adaptability, ease of preparation, and incredible taste make it a must-try for your autumn table. So gather your ingredients, enjoy the process, and savor the comforting flavors of this incredible dish. We hope it becomes a cherished tradition in your home for many fall seasons to come!