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Chicken Casserole Recipe

Chicken casserole is a hearty and comforting dish, combining tender chicken, creamy soups, and a blend of rice and vegetables, all topped with a crispy, buttery cracker crust. The rich flavors of cheddar cheese and seasonings create a delicious, savory meal that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Easy to prepare and satisfying, this casserole is a versatile dish that can be customized with various vegetables to suit different tastes.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken, dinner, leftover, lunch
Servings: 6
Calories: 430kcal
Cost: 30

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • 9x13-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 9x13-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.