Savory Chicken and Eggplant Bake
Dive into this hearty Savory Chicken and Eggplant Bake, a comforting casserole that combines tender chicken breast with an array of fresh vegetables, layered in between succulent eggplant slices. The dish is topped with a golden, bubbling layer of mozzarella cheese and enhanced with fragrant Italian herbs. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this casserole not only warms the heart but also provides a healthy dose of nutrients. Serve it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal everyone will love.
4
Servings
105
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplant
1 (peeled and cut into 12 slices)
parmesan cheese
2 (tablespoons, shredded)
garlic powder
1/2 (teaspoon or 1 garlic clove, minced)
boneless skinless chicken breast
3/4 (lb, chopped)
diced tomatoes
1 (14-ounce can)
onion
1 (medium, chopped)
green bell pepper
1 (large, chopped)
mushrooms
1/2 (cup, sliced)
dried Italian seasoning
3/4 (teaspoon)
ground black pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
1/4 (cup, shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat the broiler to high.
2
Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer on a non-stick baking sheet. Mist the slices lightly with cooking spray.
3
Broil the eggplant for about 2 minutes or until golden brown, then flip the slices, mist again, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garlic. Broil for an additional 1 minute until golden. Set aside.
4
In a large non-stick skillet, heat cooking spray over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the chopped chicken and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
5
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, followed by the chopped onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, dried Italian seasoning, and ground black pepper. Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
6
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat an 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
7
Layer 6 eggplant slices on the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the eggplant. Repeat with another layer of eggplant and the remaining chicken mixture, finishing with the last 6 eggplant slices on top.
8
Sprinkle the reduced-fat mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
10g
Carbs
8.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Chicken and Eggplant Bake?
It is a hearty casserole that combines tender chicken breast with fresh vegetables, layered between eggplant slices and topped with bubbling mozzarella cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 105 calories.
What are the main protein sources in this dish?
The main protein source is 3/4 lb of boneless skinless chicken breast, providing 8.75g of protein per serving.
How should the eggplant be prepared?
The eggplant should be peeled and cut into 12 slices before being broiled.
What temperature should the oven be set to for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long do you broil the eggplant slices?
Broil the slices for 2 minutes until golden, then flip, season, and broil for 1 additional minute.
What ingredients are used to season the eggplant during broiling?
The eggplant is seasoned with Parmesan cheese and garlic powder (or a minced garlic clove).
How long does the chicken need to cook in the skillet?
The chopped chicken should be cooked for about 5 minutes until it is no longer pink.
What vegetables are included in the chicken mixture?
The mixture includes onion, green bell pepper, and mushrooms.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, you should stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juices.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
An 8-inch baking dish is recommended.
How is the casserole layered?
Start with 6 eggplant slices, half the chicken mixture, another layer of eggplant, the rest of the chicken, and finish with the final 6 eggplant slices.
What type of cheese is used for the top layer?
The top layer uses 1/4 cup of shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese.
How long does the casserole bake in the oven?
It should bake for 30 minutes, covered with aluminum foil.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What spices provide the Italian flavor in this dish?
The flavor comes from dried Italian seasoning and ground black pepper.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of powder?
Yes, you can use 1 minced garlic clove instead of 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What are some recommended side dishes?
It is recommended to serve this bake with a side salad or crusty bread.
How long should the chicken and vegetable mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer for 5 minutes after being brought to a boil.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, nutrient-dense recipe with high protein and low calories.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms.
Does this recipe include any tags for categorization?
Yes, tags include chicken, eggplant, casserole, healthy, dinner, comfort food, vegetables, and Italian.
What should I do to the baking dish before layering?
You should lightly coat the 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
How many slices of eggplant go on the bottom layer?
The bottom layer consists of 6 eggplant slices.
What heat setting is used to cook the chicken in the skillet?
Medium-high heat should be used for the chicken.
Is the eggplant broiled on a specific type of sheet?
It is recommended to use a non-stick baking sheet.
How much Italian seasoning is needed?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning.
Should the casserole be bubbly when finished?
Yes, it should be baked until the casserole is heated through and bubbly.