Craving a hearty and delicious chicken casserole that's both simple to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy? Our easy chicken casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food solution for busy families and home cooks. Packed with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a crispy golden topping, this dish transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why This Chicken Casserole Recipe Rocks?
Perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, this chicken casserole combines convenience with incredible flavor. It's a versatile dish that can be prepped in advance and easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
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Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs
- Dairy-free: Substitute dairy-free cream of chicken soup and cheese
- Vegetable alternatives: Use broccoli, carrots, or green beans instead of mixed vegetables
Instructions
Prep Work
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Ensure chicken is cooked and shredded. Rotisserie chicken works great for a time-saving hack!
Mix the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth.
- Add garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Gently fold in frozen mixed vegetables.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
Add the Topping
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed butter crackers with melted butter.
- Evenly distribute the buttery cracker topping over the cheese layer.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Cooking Tips
- For extra crispy topping, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Use leftover roasted chicken or quickly poach chicken breasts for fresh meat.
- Ensure vegetables are thawed to prevent excess moisture.
Dietary Adaptations
- Low-carb: Replace crackers with crushed pork rinds
- Keto: Use cauliflower instead of mixed vegetables
- Dairy-free: Substitute dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives
Equipment Recommendations
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing utensils
- Sharp knife for shredding chicken
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container
- Best consumed within 3-4 days
- Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking
FAQ
Use low-fat cream of chicken soup, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add more vegetables.
Yes! Turkey or ham work excellent as chicken substitutes.
This easy chicken casserole recipe proves that comfort food can be both delicious and simple to prepare. Whether you're feeding a family or looking for a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with chicken casserole recipe
chicken casserole recipe
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish or casserole dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoons/spatulas
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs
- Dairy-free: Substitute dairy-free cream of chicken soup and cheese
- Vegetable alternatives: Use broccoli carrots, or green beans instead of mixed vegetables
Instructions
Prep Work
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Ensure chicken is cooked and shredded. Rotisserie chicken works great for a time-saving hack!
Mix the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth.
- Add garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Gently fold in frozen mixed vegetables.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
Add the Topping
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed butter crackers with melted butter.
- Evenly distribute the buttery cracker topping over the cheese layer.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Notes
- Best served after 5-10 minutes rest
- Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours before (add topping just before baking)
- Storage: 3-4 days in fridge; 3 months in freezer
- Rotisserie chicken works great for quick prep
- Don't overbake to keep moisture
- Perfect for leftovers and meal prep
- Easy to customize with different vegetables or cheese
- Great for feeding a crowd
Nutrition
Check out our Chicken Quesadilla recipe! Made with juicy chicken, melted cheese, and warm tortillas, it's a quick and tasty meal everyone will love."
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