Cheesy Chicken & Cabbage Casserole

This cheesy chicken and cabbage casserole is creamy and briny with plenty of savory flavors thanks to sauerkraut and kielbasa. Gruyère (or Swiss) cheese adds a nutty flavor to the dish, while rye breadcrumbs on top give it a hint of caraway and a nice crunch.

Cheesy Chicken & Cabbage Casserole
Photo: Diana Chistruga
Active Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
8

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 4 ounces chopped kielbasa

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 8 cups thinly sliced cabbage

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced

  • ¾ cup refrigerated sauerkraut, drained

  • 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard

  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 2 tablespoons whole-wheat flour

  • 2 cups low-fat milk

  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese, divided

  • 1 cup packed fresh rye breadcrumbs

Directions

  1. Position racks in center and top third of oven; preheat to 400°F. Coat a broiler-safe 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

  2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add kielbasa and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the kielbasa to one half of a paper-towel-lined plate (do not wipe out the pot).

  3. Add chicken to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned but not completely cooked, about 4 minutes. With the slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to the other half of the plate with the kielbasa, reserving the drippings in the pot.

  4. Add cabbage and onion to the drippings in the pot; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in sauerkraut, mustard, pepper and salt. Sprinkle with flour and cook, stirring constantly, until well incorporated, about 1 minute. Add milk and cook, stirring constantly and scraping to release any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, until simmering and thickened, about 4 minutes.

  5. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese. Stir in the chicken. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the kielbasa, breadcrumbs and the remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake on the center rack until bubbling and the chicken is completely cooked through, about 20 minutes. Turn the oven to broil and move the casserole to the top rack. Broil until browned on top, about 1 minute. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

325 Calories
18g Fat
15g Carbs
26g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Serving Size 1 1/4 cups
Calories 325
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 15g 5%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 26g 52%
Total Fat 18g 23%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Cholesterol 99mg 33%
Vitamin A 460IU 9%
Vitamin C 29mg 32%
Vitamin D 36IU 9%
Vitamin E 1mg 4%
Folate 53mcg 13%
Vitamin K 56mcg 47%
Sodium 686mg 30%
Calcium 392mg 30%
Iron 2mg 11%
Magnesium 45mg 11%
Potassium 455mg 10%
Zinc 3mg 27%
Vitamin B12 1mcg 42%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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