Chicken And Lima Bean Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tender chicken, lima beans, tomatoes, and melted mozzarella, topped with crispy bread crumbs—perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen lima beans ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked, cubed chicken (9 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 cup tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper ⓘ
- 4 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fresh whole wheat bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the lima beans according to package directions.
- Spray a 1 1/2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the cooked lima beans in the dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked, cubed chicken, drained and chopped tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ground black pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture over the lima beans in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and whole wheat bread crumbs over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can mix in a can of cream of chicken soup. Fresh lima beans can be substituted for frozen, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. To enhance the dish, add some chopped bell peppers or a sprinkle of paprika on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or garlic bread. It's a fantastic choice for family dinners or potlucks, as it can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, checking to ensure it's evenly warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Lima Bean Casserole contains roughly 159 calories, with 8g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh lima beans instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh lima beans can be used, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Fresh beans typically require a longer cooking time to become tender, so be sure to cook them until soft before adding them to the casserole.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken and vegetable mixture for a kick of heat. Additionally, consider using pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a spicier flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, and just bake it when you're ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).