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 mins
Cook Time45 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken, dinner, leftover, lunch
Servings: 6
Calories: 430kcal
Cost: 30
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)
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.
- 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.