Description

A cozy and comforting chicken casserole bursting with rich flavors, creamy textures, and a crispy golden topping. This easy-to-make dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, cooked rice or pasta, vegetables, and cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Adaptable and family-friendly, it is a heartwarming meal everyone will ask for again and again.

Ingredients

Protein

Chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless (about 2 cups diced)

Base

Cooked rice or pasta (2 cups)

Sauces and Creaminess

Cream of mushroom or chicken soup (1 can, about 10.5 oz)

Vegetables

Peas and carrots, mixed (1 cup)
Onion, chopped (½ cup)
Garlic, minced (2 cloves)

Cheese

Cheddar or mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup, divided)

Topping

Bread crumbs or crushed crackers (½ cup)
Butter, melted (2 tbsp)

Herbs and Seasonings

Fresh or dried thyme or parsley (1 tsp)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil (1 tbsp, for cooking chicken)

Instructions

Prepare the chicken and base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook it in a skillet over medium heat with olive oil until it’s no longer pink inside. Set aside. Meanwhile, cook your choice of rice or pasta according to package instructions and drain well.
Mix the creamy filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice or pasta, cream of mushroom or chicken soup, mixed vegetables, chopped onions, garlic, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir well to blend all ingredients. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs like thyme or parsley for added freshness.
Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Combine bread crumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter, then spread this mixture over the cheese to create a crispy, golden crust as it bakes.
Bake to perfection: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and make portioning easier.

Notes

Use warm ingredients: Mixing warm chicken and cooked pasta or rice helps the casserole heat evenly and stay moist.
Don’t skip resting time: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld beautifully.
Try homemade soup: For a more flavorful dish, swap canned soup for a quick homemade creamy sauce.
Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer if needed to make sure chicken pieces are fully cooked before mixing.
Fresh herbs matter: Add fresh herbs toward the end to keep their vibrant taste bright and lively.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: chicken casserole, comfort food, creamy chicken bake, easy dinner, family recipe, baked chicken casserole, gluten-free casserole