Delicious Eggplant-Chicken Bake
This mouthwatering casserole brings together the savory flavors of tender eggplant, succulent chicken, and a rich, cheesy sauce. The combination of spices in the tomato sauce adds depth to this dish, while the eggplant provides a delightful texture. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests at a gathering, this recipe is adaptable depending on your dietary preferences. Whether you opt for veggie shreds, different meats, or textured vegetable protein (TVP), each variation is sure to delight the taste buds. Serve it hot alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
4
Servings
400
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplants
3 cups (cubed)
Onion
1 small (chopped)
Cheddar cheese
6 ounces (grated)
Tomato sauce with basil garlic and oregano
2 (8 ounce) cans (canned)
Cooked chicken
1 cup (cut up)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Pepper
to taste (ground)
Parmesan cheese
for top (grated, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
In a skillet over medium heat, spray with vegetable cooking spray, then add the cubed eggplant and chopped onion. Cook and stir for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the eggplant is slightly softened.
3
Transfer the cooked eggplant and onion to a large mixing bowl, and add the grated cheddar cheese, canned tomato sauce, cooked chicken, beaten eggs, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until evenly combined.
4
Grease a casserole dish with vegetable spray, then pour in the mixture, spreading it out evenly.
5
Sprinkle the top generously with grated Parmesan cheese for a deliciously crispy finish.
6
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty eggplant-chicken bake!
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Delicious Eggplant-Chicken Bake?
It is a savory casserole that combines tender eggplant, succulent chicken, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the baking temperature for this casserole?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does it take to bake the eggplant-chicken casserole?
The dish takes approximately 1 hour to bake until the top is golden and bubbly.
What are the main ingredients for the base?
The base ingredients are cubed eggplant, chopped onion, cheddar cheese, tomato sauce, cooked chicken, and beaten eggs.
How much eggplant is required?
You will need 3 cups of cubed eggplant.
Do I need to cook the eggplant before baking?
Yes, you should cook the cubed eggplant and chopped onion in a skillet for 5-7 minutes until softened.
What kind of tomato sauce is recommended?
The recipe calls for two 8-ounce cans of tomato sauce with basil, garlic, and oregano.
What type of cheese is mixed into the casserole?
The recipe uses 6 ounces of grated cheddar cheese in the mixture.
What is used as a topping for the dish?
Grated Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top for a crispy finish.
Is the chicken pre-cooked?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 cup of cooked chicken, cut into pieces.
How many eggs are used in the mixture?
Two beaten eggs are included to help bind the ingredients.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 400 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
One serving provides 22.5g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content per serving is 17.5g.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with veggie shreds or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
What size onion should I use?
The recipe specifies one small onion, chopped.
How should I prepare the casserole dish?
Grease the casserole dish with vegetable spray before pouring in the mixture.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven.
What should I serve with this bake?
It is recommended to serve it hot alongside a fresh salad.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Ground pepper can be added to taste, and the tomato sauce already contains basil, garlic, and oregano.
What texture does the eggplant provide?
The eggplant provides a delightful, soft texture to the dish.
Is this a good meal for guests?
Yes, it is designed to impress guests at a gathering or for a cozy family dinner.
Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, the recipe is adaptable to different meat preferences.
Is this considered a healthy dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dinner and a one-dish meal.
What happens to the Parmesan cheese during baking?
It creates a deliciously crispy finish on top of the casserole.
How do I know the onions are ready in the skillet?
The onions should be translucent after 5-7 minutes of cooking.
How is the eggplant prepared for the skillet?
The eggplant should be cubed before cooking.
Is this recipe easy to customize?
Yes, it is very adaptable depending on your dietary preferences and available ingredients.