The concept of the casserole as a one-dish meal has ancient roots, but the modern casserole, as we know it today, began to take shape in the 19th and 20th centuries. Early casseroles were simple combinations of rice or noodles, meat, and a binder like sauce or soup.
Chicken casserole, specifically, became popular in American cuisine in the mid-20th century. It was during this period that convenience foods like canned soups and frozen vegetables became widely available and were incorporated into home cooking.
The casserole gained immense popularity in the United States after World War II, partly due to its convenience and affordability. Housewives appreciated its simplicity, as it could be made with inexpensive ingredients and leftovers.
Chicken casseroles became a staple at community gatherings, church suppers, and potlucks. They were valued for their ability to feed large groups and for their comforting, homey qualities.
The chicken casserole is firmly rooted in American cuisine, especially in the Midwest and Southern regions. In these areas, it is often seen as a quintessential comfort food, reflecting the agricultural abundance and home-cooking traditions of the heartland.
While the American chicken casserole is distinctive, the concept of combining chicken with various ingredients in a single dish is found worldwide:
- France: The French have similar dishes, such as “poulet en cocotte,” which involves cooking chicken with vegetables in a casserole dish.
- United Kingdom: In the UK, similar dishes might include chicken pie or hotpot, where chicken is cooked with vegetables and topped with pastry or potatoes.
- China: Chinese cuisine includes dishes like claypot chicken, where chicken and rice or noodles are cooked together in a clay pot.
- Middle East: In Middle Eastern cuisine, you might find variations like “maqluba,” which layers rice, chicken, and vegetables.
The chicken casserole is deeply associated with American comfort food culture, symbolizing warmth, family gatherings, and home-cooked meals.
Its rise in popularity is also linked to economic factors, as it provides a way to make hearty meals using affordable ingredients. The introduction of pre-packaged and canned ingredients made it even more convenient.
Today, the chicken casserole continues to evolve, with modern adaptations featuring healthier ingredients, international flavors, and gourmet twists, reflecting contemporary tastes and dietary preferences.
The chicken casserole remains a beloved dish in many American households, celebrated for its versatility, simplicity, and comforting nature.
Chicken Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing Bowl
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
Chicken Seasoning
- 4 Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Casserole Base
- 2 cups White or brown rice (cooked)
- 1 can Condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can Condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Peas and carrots (shredded)
- 1 cup Broccoli florets (chopped)
Topping
- 1 cup Ritz crackers or bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp Butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let cool slightly. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Casserole Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried basil. Mix well.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, thawed peas and carrots, and chopped broccoli florets (if using).
Assemble the Casserole
- Add the chopped chicken to the casserole mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers (or bread crumbs) with the melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Serve
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can add or substitute other vegetables based on your preference, such as green beans, corn, or bell peppers.
- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat or fat-free sour cream and soups.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.