There’s something magical about Sunday dinners—the smell of something hearty bubbling in the oven, the chatter of family gathering around the table, and the promise of a meal that feels like a warm hug. That’s exactly what this Healthy Amish Sunday Savior Casserole brings to the table. Inspired by the simplicity and wholesomeness of Amish cooking traditions, this casserole is packed with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a creamy, comforting sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a visit to an Amish community, where meals are more than just food—they’re a way of connecting and caring for one another. I knew I had to bring that spirit into my own kitchen. What I love most about this casserole is how effortlessly it comes together, yet it feels so special. It’s perfect for those Sunday afternoons when you want something nourishing but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for the week, this Healthy Amish Sunday Savior Casserole has you covered. It’s hearty, wholesome, and packed with flavor—everything a Sunday dinner should be.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Amish Sunday Savior Casserole
Oh, where do I even start? This casserole has become my go-to Sunday dish for so many reasons—let me count the ways!
- Wholesome goodness: Packed with lean chicken, fresh veggies, and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, it’s comfort food you can feel good about.
- Effortless prep: Throw everything together in about 15 minutes—perfect when you’d rather be relaxing than cooking all afternoon.
- Crowd-pleaser: My picky eaters don’t even notice they’re eating carrots and peas when they’re swimming in that creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Sunday magic: There’s something special about pulling a bubbling casserole from the oven as the family gathers around the table.
- Leftover gold: It reheats beautifully—if there’s any left!—making Monday lunches a breeze.
Trust me, after one bite of this cozy, nourishing dish, you’ll understand why it’s earned “Sunday Savior” in its name!
Ingredients for Healthy Amish Sunday Savior Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy Sunday masterpiece—I promise it’s all simple, wholesome stuff you might already have in your fridge or pantry!
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (I cheat with rotisserie chicken when I’m short on time)
- 1 cup potatoes, diced into small cubes (about 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 cup carrots, diced (same size as the potatoes for even cooking)
- 1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw—they’ll cook perfectly in the oven)
- 1 cup onions, diced (yellow or white work best here)
- 1 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded (buy blocks and shred yourself for best meltiness!)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (the secret to keeping it flavorful but not too salty)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (adds creaminess without all the fat of sour cream)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (smells like Sunday mornings)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (because everything’s better with garlic)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (you can always add more at the table)
See? Nothing fancy—just good, honest ingredients that come together to make something truly special.
How to Prepare Healthy Amish Sunday Savior Casserole
Okay, let’s get cooking! This casserole comes together so easily—just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bubbling, golden masterpiece ready in no time.
First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab your biggest mixing bowl—I like to use my trusty ceramic one because it makes me feel like a proper Amish cook!
Now, toss in all your chopped veggies and shredded chicken. Here’s my little trick: mix the potatoes, carrots, peas, and onions with the chicken first before adding any sauce. This way, everything gets evenly distributed—no one wants a bite with just peas!
In a separate bowl (I use my 2-cup glass measuring cup for this), whisk together the chicken broth, Greek yogurt, thyme, garlic powder, pepper, and salt until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture over your chicken and veggies, then gently stir until everything’s nicely coated. Oh, that smell already! The thyme and garlic will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Transfer the mixture to your greased casserole dish (a 9×13-inch works perfectly) and sprinkle that shredded cheese evenly over the top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes—you’ll know it’s done when the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the edges are lightly browned.
Here’s the hardest part: let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. I know, I know—it smells amazing and you want to dig in immediately! But trust me, those few minutes let everything settle so each scoop comes out perfectly.
And that’s it! Simple, wholesome, and absolutely delicious—just like Sunday dinner should be.
Tips for Perfect Healthy Amish Sunday Savior Casserole
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take this casserole from good to can’t-stop-eating-it amazing. First, if you’re short on time (or energy!), grab a rotisserie chicken—it’s my go-to shortcut, and nobody will ever know the difference. Want to mix things up? Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes; they add a lovely sweetness and keep the dish lower glycemic.
Oh, and don’t skip freezing leftovers! Portion them out in airtight containers—they reheat beautifully for quick lunches. One last thing: if your casserole seems too saucy right after mixing, don’t panic. Those potatoes and carrots soak up the liquid as they bake, giving you the perfect creamy texture.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Healthy Amish Sunday Savior Casserole
Let’s talk ingredients! This casserole is super flexible, so don’t stress if you need to swap something out. Starting with the chicken—rotisserie is my favorite shortcut, but leftover roasted or grilled chicken works just as well. No potatoes? Sweet potatoes are a fantastic substitute and add a touch of natural sweetness. If you’re out of frozen peas, toss in some green beans or corn instead.
For the cheese, low-fat cheddar keeps it light, but feel free to use your favorite melty cheese—mozzarella or gouda would be delicious. Greek yogurt adds creaminess without the heaviness of sour cream, but plain yogurt or even cottage cheese blended smooth works in a pinch. And if you’re missing thyme, rosemary or oregano makes a lovely alternative. Honestly, this casserole is all about making it work for you!
Serving Suggestions for Healthy Amish Sunday Savior Casserole
This casserole is a meal on its own, but a few simple sides can make it even more special. I love pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some warm, crusty whole-grain bread for soaking up that creamy sauce. A glass of iced tea or lemonade completes the cozy Sunday vibe perfectly!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Healthy Amish Sunday Savior Casserole
Here’s the best part—this casserole keeps like a dream! Let it cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. Want to freeze? Portion it out before baking (just hold the cheese topping) and freeze for up to 3 months—add the cheese when you’re ready to bake!
Nutritional Information for Healthy Amish Sunday Savior Casserole
Just so you know, the nutritional info here is an estimate—it’ll vary depending on your exact ingredients and brands. But here’s the good news: with lean chicken, fresh veggies, and Greek yogurt, this casserole is packed with protein and fiber while keeping calories and fat in check. It’s comfort food you can feel great about serving!
FAQ About Healthy Amish Sunday Savior Casserole
I get so many questions about this casserole—here are the ones that pop up most often!
Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Absolutely! Leftover Thanksgiving turkey works amazingly here—just shred it like you would chicken. The flavors pair perfectly with the thyme and veggies.
How long can I store leftovers? They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Pro tip: The flavors actually deepen overnight, making next-day servings even tastier!
Can I make this vegetarian? You bet! Swap the chicken for extra veggies (try mushrooms or zucchini) and use veggie broth instead of chicken broth. It’ll still have that cozy Sunday dinner vibe.
My casserole came out watery—what went wrong? Oops! Probably those potatoes weren’t diced small enough. Next time, cut them into 1/2-inch cubes max—they’ll absorb liquid better as they bake.
Can I prep this ahead? Definitely! Assemble everything (minus cheese) the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just add 5 extra minutes to the bake time and sprinkle on cheese halfway through.
Print
Healthy Amish Sunday Savior Casserole: 15-Minute Comfort Magic
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A wholesome and hearty casserole inspired by Amish cooking traditions, perfect for a Sunday family meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, potatoes, carrots, peas, and onions.
- In a separate bowl, whisk chicken broth, Greek yogurt, thyme, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Transfer to a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Substitute sweet potatoes for a lower glycemic option.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish-Inspired