Description:
A comforting and creamy chicken casserole is a perfect dish for cozy family dinners. This recipe is rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
It combines tender pieces of chicken, creamy soup, and a savory mix of vegetables, all topped with a crunchy, golden layer of breadcrumbs or cheese. It’s a great way to enjoy a wholesome meal with minimal effort.
Serve it with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete dish.
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping (optional)
2 tablespoons melted butter (if using breadcrumbs)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the chicken: If you haven’t already, cook and shred or dice your chicken.
Mix the casserole base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Add the vegetables and chicken: Stir in the chopped onion, peas, mixed vegetables, and the shredded chicken into the cream mixture. Make sure everything is well combined.
Transfer to a baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the chicken mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
Add the topping: If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them over the casserole. Drizzle melted butter on top of the breadcrumbs to help them brown. You can also sprinkle shredded cheese and grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy crust.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, creamy chicken casserole!
Tips:
For a crispy topping: You can add crushed potato chips or cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.
Add variety: Experiment with different vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers to change the flavor profile.
Make it lighter: Use low-fat versions of sour cream and mayonnaise, or try Greek yogurt as a substitute for a healthier alternative.
Use rotisserie chicken: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this casserole, saving you the hassle of cooking chicken from scratch.
Make ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated. When ready to bake, simply pop it into the oven for 30-40 minutes, depending on whether it’s refrigerated or at room temperature.
Variations:
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: Add 1-2 cups of steamed broccoli florets for a healthy veggie boost.
Spicy Chicken Casserole: Add some diced green chilies or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Chicken Alfredo Casserole: Substitute the cream of chicken soup with Alfredo sauce for a creamy and rich variation.
Cheesy Chicken Casserole: Increase the amount of shredded cheese for a cheesier, gooey casserole.
Corrections:
Consistency: If your casserole is too thick after mixing the ingredients, you can add a little milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
Seasoning: Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning, especially salt and pepper, depending on the flavor of your soup or mayonnaise. You may need more or less.
Enjoy!
This chicken casserole cream is a simple yet hearty meal that’s sure to please a crowd. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor—perfect for busy weeknights or a family gathering!