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Chicken Casserole

Chicken Casserole
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A hearty and comforting chicken casserole combining tender chicken, creamy sauces, melted cheese, and a crispy golden topping. This easy, versatile recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings, offering a warm, flavorful, one-dish meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breasts or thighs, shredded or diced

Base

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
  • 2 cups cooked rice or cooked pasta

Vegetables

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, broccoli), cooked or thawed if frozen

Topping

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers

Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cook your chicken breasts or thighs until fully done by boiling, baking, or sautéing. Then shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces ready for the casserole.
  2. Mix the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken with the cream soup, half of the shredded cheese, cooked rice or pasta, and your choice of vegetables. Season well with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly to blend all flavors.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top, then add the remaining shredded cheese to create a cheesy crust.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and bubbling around the edges, indicating it’s ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Use uniform chicken pieces to ensure even cooking throughout.
  • Do not over-pack the casserole dish; give ingredients room to bake properly to avoid sogginess.
  • Add half the cheese inside the mixture and the rest on top for a rich, golden crust.
  • Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme on the casserole after baking for added color and freshness.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set and make serving easier.
  • Cool leftovers before storing in an airtight container; refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to maintain the crispy topping and creamy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, one-dish, baked chicken, creamy casserole

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/chicken-casserole/