Description
This creamy and cheesy chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, it’s a perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 2 cups cooked rice or pasta (optional for a heartier dish)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
- 1 cup broccoli florets (chopped)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Topping:
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- ½ cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Make the Creamy Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings until well combined.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
- Stir in the chicken, cooked rice or pasta, mixed vegetables, onion, garlic, and shredded cheese.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
4. Add Toppings & Bake:
- Sprinkle extra shredded cheese over the top.
- In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers (or breadcrumbs) with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Protein Variations: Swap chicken for turkey, ground beef, or tofu for a different twist.
- Make it Lighter: Use low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and brown rice instead of white rice.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that the soup is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American