Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare? Chicken casserole is the perfect solution. This dish combines tender chicken with creamy sauces, savory vegetables, and delicious seasonings, all baked to perfection in one pan. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight family dinner or a meal for guests, chicken casserole never fails to satisfy. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through an easy-to-follow recipe that’s both filling and nutritious. Plus, we’ll include tips for how to customize your casserole with your favorite ingredients. Let’s get cooking!
Chicken Casserole: A Comforting and Easy Dinner Idea
This Chicken Casserole recipe combines tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all baked together for a heartwarming, flavorful dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and great for meal prep. You can add your own spin by swapping in vegetables you love or using a different type of cheese. It's an easy, customizable recipe that you can enjoy all year long.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for topping
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Ingredients:If you haven't done so already, cook and shred the chicken. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly poach boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Steam or blanch the broccoli until tender, and cook the rice according to package instructions.
- Mix the Sauce:In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole:Add the shredded chicken, cooked rice, broccoli florets, and diced carrots to the sauce. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the Topping:In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers (or breadcrumbs) with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole for a crunchy, golden topping. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
- Bake the Casserole:Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve:Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve hot and enjoy! This casserole pairs well with a light salad or steamed vegetables on the side.
Notes
This chicken casserole is highly customizable. You can substitute vegetables like green beans or peas, use brown rice instead of white rice, or swap the cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and reduce the cheese.
