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Chicken Casserole

Chicken Casserole
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Chicken casserole is a warm, comforting, and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, mixed vegetables, and a golden cheese and crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, this versatile casserole offers rich flavors and a satisfying texture that’s sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Creamy Base

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, or cream of celery soup
  • 1/2 to 1 cup milk or chicken broth (to loosen sauce)

Vegetables

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen peas, carrots, green beans)
  • Optional: mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach for added nutrition

Starches

  • 2 cups cooked pasta, rice, or potatoes

Toppings

  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss)
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs or crushed crackers

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Garlic powder, to taste
  • Herbs such as thyme or parsley, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces, then season lightly with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices to enhance flavor.
  2. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the creamy soup base with milk or broth to loosen it, then stir in the mixed vegetables and any fresh or dried herbs you prefer.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cooked starch (pasta, rice, or potatoes) to the bowl, mixing thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top, and finish with bread crumbs or crushed crackers for a crunchy topping.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and bubbly, indicating the dish is cooked through.

Notes

  • Use leftover cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
  • Stir gently when combining ingredients to avoid mushy texture.
  • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set properly before serving.
  • For extra crunch, broil the breadcrumb topping for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added aroma and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, comfort food, baked chicken dish, creamy chicken casserole, easy chicken dinner, family-friendly recipe

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