Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Casserole

Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful sauce all baked to perfection. This one-pan dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Simple to make yet rich in flavor, it’s a go-to recipe for any night of the week.

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board and knife

Overview of Ingredients

• Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal.
• Vegetables – A mix of carrots, celery, peas, and onions add flavor and texture.
• Cream of Chicken Soup – The base for the creamy sauce.
• Sour Cream – Adds tang and creaminess.
• Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the dish, adding richness.
• Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme for a well-rounded flavor.
• Breadcrumbs or Crushed Crackers – For a golden, crispy topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook the Chicken
Season 3-4 chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly golden. Remove from skillet and set aside to cool, then shred or cube.

Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk until smooth.

Assemble the Casserole
In the prepared baking dish, layer the shredded chicken, 2 cups of mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, peas, onions), and pour the sauce evenly over the top. Stir gently to combine.

Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the casserole.

Bake the Casserole
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.

Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Make It Your Own: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra veggies.
• Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère.
• Protein Substitution: Use turkey or cooked shredded rotisserie chicken.

What to Serve with Chicken Casserole

Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or steamed rice for a complete meal. Roasted vegetables also make a wonderful accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole without the topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole without the topping, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Ingredients

• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, peas, onions)
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Season chicken and sear in a skillet until lightly golden. Cool and shred.
3. In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and cheddar cheese.
4. Layer shredded chicken and mixed vegetables in the baking dish. Pour sauce over and stir gently.
5. Combine breadcrumbs or crackers with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy this Chicken Casserole, a dish that brings warmth and flavor to every bite!

Chicken Casserole

Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful sauce all baked to perfection. This one-pan dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Simple to make yet rich in flavor, it’s a go-to recipe for any night of the week.

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Equipment

• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board and knife

Ingredients

  

• 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 2 cups mixed vegetables carrots, celery, peas, onions
• 1 can 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Season chicken and sear in a skillet until lightly golden. Cool and shred.
• In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and cheddar cheese.
• Layer shredded chicken and mixed vegetables in the baking dish. Pour sauce over and stir gently.
• Combine breadcrumbs or crackers with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Enjoy this Chicken Casserole, a dish that brings warmth and flavor to every bite!