Perfect Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Casserole on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Elevate your grilling game with this delicious Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Casserole recipe, perfect for your Arteflame Grill. This dish combines the best of grilling and casserole cooking, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal. Using the high heat of the center grill grate and the even cooking of the flat cooktop, you’ll achieve a perfect sear and optimal doneness for all ingredients.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large bell peppers, sliced
• 1 large zucchini, sliced
• 1 large yellow squash, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Slice the bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, and red onion. Mince the garlic. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.

2. Season the Chicken and Vegetables:

   • In a large bowl, toss the sliced vegetables with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Brush the chicken breasts with melted butter and season with sea salt and black pepper.

3. Fire Up the Grill:

   • Preheat your Arteflame grill to high heat (over 1,000°F) to get it ready for grilling.

4. Grill the Chicken and Vegetables:

   • Place the chicken breasts on the center grill grate and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes to develop a nice crust.
   • Move the chicken to the flat top griddle and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, flipping occasionally.
   • While the chicken is cooking, place the seasoned vegetables on the flat top griddle and grill until tender and slightly charred, about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (if using an oven-safe grill accessory, skip this step).
   • In a large oven-safe dish or the optional Arteflame pizza oven, layer the grilled vegetables and chicken. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Place the dish in the oven or pizza oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes.

6. Finish and Serve:

   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Tips

• Butter vs. Olive Oil: Butter adds a rich flavor to the chicken, while olive oil helps the vegetables grill evenly.
• High Heat for Searing: Achieve a perfect sear on the chicken by utilizing the high heat of the Arteflame Grill.
• Even Cooking: Move the chicken and vegetables around the flat top griddle to find the optimal heat zone for even cooking.

Conclusion

Grilling a chicken and vegetable casserole on the Arteflame grill not only delivers a deliciously charred exterior but also ensures all the flavors meld together perfectly. This recipe guarantees a flavorful, cheesy casserole that is both satisfying and visually appealing.

Variations

1. Italian Chicken Casserole:

   • Add 1 cup of marinara sauce and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the casserole before baking.

2. Mexican Chicken Casserole:

   • Add 1 cup of salsa and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the casserole before baking. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

3. Greek Chicken Casserole:

   • Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of sliced olives, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to the casserole before baking.

4. Herb Chicken Casserole:

   • Add a mixture of finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil to the chicken before grilling.

5. Spicy Chicken Casserole:

   • Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1/2 cup of diced jalapeños to the vegetables before grilling.

Best Pairings

• Drink: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light, refreshing beer.
• Appetizer: A fresh Caesar salad with crunchy croutons.
• Dessert: A creamy cheesecake or a fresh fruit tart.