Description
Comfort meets culinary magic in this ultimate chicken casserole recipe, elevating home cooking to new heights. Creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and golden crisp topping guarantees a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional: peas, carrots, or green beans)
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Base and Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or egg noodles)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup chicken broth
Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) or breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Create a welcoming culinary environment by warming the oven to a cozy 375F (190C) and tenderly preparing a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light coating of grease.
- Craft a velvety sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and a harmonious blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper until the mixture achieves a silky-smooth consistency.
- Introduce tender cooked chicken, perfectly prepared pasta, a generous helping of cheddar cheese, and delicate mozzarella into the sauce. Gently fold in frozen vegetables, ensuring each ingredient is lovingly embraced by the creamy mixture.
- Elegantly transfer the combined ingredients into the prepared baking dish, spreading the medley evenly and crowning the surface with a sprinkle of additional cheddar cheese.
- Elevate the dish’s texture by creating a crisp topping: delicately crush crackers or breadcrumbs and meld them with melted butter, then shower this golden mixture across the casserole’s surface.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes. Watch for the magical moment when the edges bubble enthusiastically and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Pause briefly to let the casserole settle and collect its flavors, then serve this comforting creation to eager diners, ready to experience a symphony of textures and tastes.
Notes
- Swap protein options by using turkey, ham, or plant-based chicken alternatives for dietary variety and personal preferences.
- Customize vegetable mix based on seasonal availability or family favorites, ensuring colorful and nutritious additions to the casserole.
- Use gluten-free pasta and crackers to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste and texture.
- Reduce sodium content by selecting low-sodium soup and broth, allowing health-conscious individuals to enjoy this comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg