This heart healthy chicken casserole is a high protein, low sodium comfort food the whole family will love. Made with lean chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and a creamy low-fat sauce, it’s topped with crispy gluten-free cornflakes for the perfect crunch.
At just 236 calories and 28g of protein per serving, this healthy chicken casserole recipe is ideal for weight loss, diabetic meal plans, GLP-1 support, and heart-healthy eating. With only 120mg of sodium, it is one of the best low sodium chicken casserole recipes available.
Hungry for more easy high-protein casseroles? Check out all of our healthy chicken casserole recipes that are great for weeknight dinners and meal prep!
This casserole redefines comfort food by using nutrient-dense, low-sodium ingredients to create a creamy texture without the high saturated fat found in traditional recipes. By focusing on lean protein and fiber-rich aromatics, it provides a filling meal that supports cardiovascular health and blood sugar management.
(Instant Download)
Sign Up for instant access to your free cookbook plus our most popular quick and healthy recipes!
When it comes to easy chicken casserole recipes, it doesn’t get much easier than this! This casserole requires only a few ingredients, many of which you likely have on hand. It’s made in one pan and is ready in just 45 minutes! Once you pop it in the oven, you don’t even have to check on it until it’s done, except to sprinkle the topping on.
Yes. This recipe is designed with complex carbohydrates and lean protein in mind. By using fiber-rich vegetables (peppers, onions, celery) and a controlled portion of cornflakes, it helps prevent sharp blood sugar spikes. To further lower the glycemic impact, you can serve it with a side of non-starchy vegetables or cauliflower rice.
Traditional casseroles often rely on full-fat heavy cream, butter, and high-sodium condensed soups which are high in saturated fat and salt. This version swaps those for lean, skinless chicken breast and reduced-fat dairy. Reducing saturated fat intake is a key strategy for maintaining healthy LDL cholesterol levels and supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before, wait to add the cornflake topping until you are ready to bake to prevent sogginess.
Yes, but ensure the skin is removed and check if the chicken was seasoned with high-sodium rubs to keep the dish heart-healthy.
Shredding the chicken rather than cubing it allows it to soak up the creamy sauce, keeping it moist throughout the baking process.
If you loved this dish, explore more comforting and heart-healthy chicken casseroles that are low in sodium and packed with wholesome ingredients to keep your healthy eating goals on track.
Simplify your weeknight routine with these easy one-pan chicken dinners that deliver maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, perfect for maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Recipe yields 8 servings
Set a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
In a large skillet, add ½ tablespoon olive oil and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the bell pepper, onion and celery and cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and transfer half of the vegetable mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
In a large mixing bowl, add the remaining half of the vegetable mixture. Add the shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, water and ½ teaspoon black pepper; stir to combine. Transfer the chicken mixture to the casserole dish.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes, smoked paprika and the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil and remaining ½ teaspoon black pepper; stir to combine. Sprinkle the top of the casserole filling with the cornflake mixture. Bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the casserole from the oven and lightly spray the corn flake topping with nonstick cooking spray. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
To keep the meal balanced and heart-healthy, pair this creamy casserole with a bright, fiber-rich side dish. A Waldorf Salad adds a refreshing fruit-and-nut crunch, or try Roasted Brussels Sprouts for a savory, caramelized finish. For a simple green side, Garlic Roasted Broccoli complements the mushroom sauce perfectly.
If you cannot find unsalted cream of mushroom, a low-sodium cream of chicken or cream of celery soup works well.
For a dairy-free version, use an unsweetened plain almond or soy yogurt in place of the reduced-fat sour cream.
Crushed puffed rice cereal or finely chopped pecans can be used as a gluten-free alternative to cornflakes. Feel free to use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a tasty crispy finish.
If you like the ease of one pan meals, try one of our other healthy casserole recipes, such as Turkey Broccoli Casserole, Mixed Vegetable Casserole or Cheese Strata Casserole. You can also find other healthy chicken recipes below or throughout the Health eCooks site.