A Chemo Casserole is a comforting and nutritious dish often shared with people undergoing chemotherapy. These casseroles are designed to be easy on the stomach, gentle to digest, and full of nourishment to help patients maintain energy during treatment. While the specific ingredients may vary based on individual preferences and dietary needs, the focus is typically on high-protein, mild, and easy-to-eat ingredients.
Here’s a simple and adaptable Chemo Casserole Recipe designed to be both nutritious and easy on the digestive system:
Chemo Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast or turkey (shredded or diced)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice or quinoa (for a gluten-free option)
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (or fresh if preferred)
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or a homemade white sauce if preferred)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste, depending on personal preference)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the casserole base:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice or quinoa, and frozen peas (or any other mild vegetable of your choice).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth (or water) until smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the soup mixture. If the casserole needs a bit more moisture, you can adjust with a little extra broth.
- Combine ingredients:
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken, rice, and vegetables. Stir to combine everything thoroughly so that it’s evenly coated with the creamy soup mixture.
- Transfer to baking dish:
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
- Add the cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Optional breadcrumb topping:
- If you’d like a little crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the cheese. You can drizzle a bit of olive oil or melted butter over the breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
- Bake:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling.
- Remove the foil, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is mild and comforting and can be eaten on its own or paired with a light salad.
Tips:
- Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce or a plant-based alternative (such as cashew cream or coconut milk) for a healthier or dairy-free option.
- Vegetables: You can swap peas for any mild vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach, depending on what is easiest on the stomach.
- Proteins: Instead of chicken, you can use turkey, lean beef, or even a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas.
- Cheese: If dairy is not well-tolerated, try using a mild, dairy-free cheese substitute or skip the cheese entirely.
- Texture: For a smoother casserole, you can puree some of the soup and vegetables for a creamier consistency.
This Chemo Casserole recipe is designed to be easy to eat and packed with protein, veggies, and comfort. It can be adjusted to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, making it a versatile dish for anyone needing a little extra support through treatment.