This Chicken Casserole is a cozy dish packed with tender chicken, tasty veggies, and creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Comfort food at its best!
You know it’s a hit when everyone’s asking for seconds! I love to pair it with a simple salad for a quick and satisfying meal during busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my favorite for this recipe; it saves time and adds great flavor. If you don’t have cooked chicken, you can poach or bake chicken breasts until done, then shred them.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can make your own by mixing equal parts chicken broth and milk or use a can of cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
Sour Cream: It adds tanginess and richness but can be swapped with Greek yogurt for a healthier version. Just make sure it’s plain—flavored ones might alter the taste.
Celery & Onion: I love the crunch from celery; however, you can replace celery with bell peppers for sweetness or zap in some spinach for an extra veggie boost. Green onions can also be a fun alternative to regular onions.
Rice or Pasta: I often switch between rice and egg noodles, depending on what I have. If you’re gluten-free, you can use rice or gluten-free pasta.
How Do You Ensure the Cheese Melts Perfectly on Top?
Getting that melted, bubbly cheese is important for a favorite casserole finish. Start with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese, but there’s a trick. Apply it at the end of the baking time to keep it from burning.
- Mix all other ingredients first and place them in the baking dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then add the cheese on top.
- Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until it’s melted and bubbly.
This way, your cheese will be perfect without overcooking! Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving; this helps set everything nicely.
How to Make Chicken Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked rice or pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This chicken casserole recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 30-35 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be enjoying a warm, hearty meal in about 50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready when you’re ready to bake your casserole.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced celery, diced onion, chicken broth, and cooked rice or pasta. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and creamy.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. Then, pour the chicken mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure it bakes nicely.
4. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of your casserole. This will melt down beautifully and create a delicious cheesy layer.
5. Bake Your Casserole:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the casserole is heated all the way through.
6. Let It Rest:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything settle and makes it easier to serve.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Before serving, sprinkle the chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Dish out the casserole while it’s warm and enjoy your comforting meal!
Can I Substitute the Cream of Chicken Soup?
Absolutely! If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can substitute with homemade cream of chicken sauce or even use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor. Alternatively, a mixture of heavy cream and chicken broth with some seasonings can work in a pinch!
Can I Use Raw Chicken Instead of Cooked?
You can, but keep in mind it will require more time. If using raw chicken, cook it first (boil, bake, or sauté) until it’s fully cooked, then shred it before mixing it with the other ingredients. This way, you’ll ensure it’s properly cooked and safe to eat.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make your own. You can also choose gluten-free pasta or rice, which both work great in this recipe! Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in an oven-safe dish covered with aluminum foil at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions until warm. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
