Ultimate Chicken Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep. Here’s a delicious recipe that combines tender chicken with a creamy, cheesy sauce and crunchy topping:
Ingredients
- For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta (e.g., white rice, brown rice, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or your choice of vegetables)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or use a homemade version if preferred)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice or pasta, frozen peas and carrots, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (or basil), salt, and pepper.
- Stir the soup mixture into the chicken mixture until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs) with the melted butter. If using Parmesan cheese, mix it in as well.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker or breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes serving easier.
Tips
- Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or poach chicken breasts for this recipe.
- Vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables you like or have on hand. Frozen mixed vegetables or fresh veggies like broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers work well.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses for a unique flavor. Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a cheese blend can be delicious alternatives.
This Ultimate Chicken Casserole is a comforting, versatile dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. Enjoy!