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Creamy Chicken Casserole

Creamy Chicken Casserole

A warm, comforting, and flavorful Creamy Chicken Casserole combining tender chicken, velvety sauce, shredded cheddar, and mixed vegetables over a hearty base of rice or pasta. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals with flexible ingredient swaps to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs

Base

  • 2 cups cooked rice or pasta

Vegetables

  • 1.5 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup for variation)
  • 1 cup milk or cream

Cheese

  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Topping

  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs or crushed crackers (use gluten-free crackers to make it gluten-free)

Fats & Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or oregano) to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil or butter until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add butter or olive oil, then sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or cream, cooked rice or pasta, frozen mixed vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, sautéed onions and garlic, and cooked chicken. Stir until everything is well combined.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread the mixture evenly. Sprinkle bread crumbs or crushed crackers evenly on top to create a crispy topping.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use cooked shredded chicken to save time and ensure even chicken distribution.
  • Don’t skip sautéing onions and garlic to enrich the sauce’s flavor.
  • Adjust the sauce thickness by adding extra milk if too thick or a bit of flour if too runny.
  • Cover with foil during baking to keep moisture; remove foil during the last 5 minutes for a crispy topping.
  • Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking for easier serving and better texture.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: Creamy chicken casserole, comfort food, easy chicken casserole, weeknight dinner, cheesy chicken bake, gluten-free casserole option