Description
A classic comfort food, Chicken Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chunks of chicken with creamy sauces, pasta, and a medley of vegetables. Baked until golden and bubbly, it often features a crispy topping of breadcrumbs or cheese, adding a delicious crunch to each bite. The rich and savory filling is both satisfying and comforting, making this casserole a go-to for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Easy to prepare, versatile, and packed with flavor, Chicken Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
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For the Casserole:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts. This is a great way to use up leftovers!
- 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables: A blend of carrots, peas, corn, and green beans works well, but feel free to use your favorites.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: The classic ingredient for a creamy casserole base. You can also use homemade cream of chicken soup for a fresher option.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the casserole.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For a cheesy, gooey filling. You can also mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds savory flavor to the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For extra depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A comforting herb that complements the chicken and vegetables.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the dish.
- 1 ½ cups crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz crackers): For a crispy, buttery topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Optional:
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: To drizzle over the cracker topping for extra golden crispness.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
Instructions
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STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and turn out perfectly golden on top.
STEP 2: PREPARE THE CASSEROLE FILLING
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, diced onion, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Make sure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
STEP 3: ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE
Transfer the chicken mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure the filling is distributed evenly across the dish. The filling should come to the top of the dish but not overflow.
STEP 4: ADD THE CRACKER TOPPING
In a small bowl, crush the buttery crackers into small pieces. You can do this by hand or place the crackers in a resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Sprinkle the crushed crackers evenly over the casserole. If you want an extra crispy topping, drizzle the melted butter over the crackers before baking.
STEP 5: BAKE
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy and the filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
STEP 6: REST AND SERVE
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the filling to set. This will make it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 30g