Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any table. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy sauce, all topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s a one-pan meal that’s ready in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: A straightforward recipe that takes minimal time to prepare.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses commonly found items, so no last-minute grocery runs!
- Perfect for Family Meals: A hearty dish that satisfies everyone’s appetite.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings; everyone will love it!
- Unbelievably Delicious: Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor; it’s comfort in every bite.
What makes this Chicken Casserole stand out is its creamy texture and cheesy top, making it a favorite among children and adults alike. You can’t beat that warm, satisfying feeling!
Ingredients Needed
For the base:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
For flavor:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup milk
For the topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
How to Make Chicken Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare your cooking environment.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated. This will ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. This helps with even cooking.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top to give it that delicious, gooey finish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through, giving it that perfect bubbling effect.
- Serve hot and watch your loved ones enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve your Chicken Casserole hot, ideally paired with a fresh salad or bread for a complete meal. For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Helpful Notes
- Feel free to swap out the mixed vegetables for whatever you have on hand, like broccoli or peas.
- For a little crunch, consider adding breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Conclusion
Chicken Casserole is a crowd-favorite that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick, satisfying, and a delightful way to use leftover chicken. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! Don’t forget to share it on social media; it might be just what someone needs for dinner tonight! Have you tried any variations? Let us know below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, leftover turkey works wonderfully in this recipe!
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and rice for a gluten-free version.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before baking. Just thaw and bake it when you’re ready to enjoy.
Print
Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting one-pan meal of tender chicken, fluffy rice, creamy sauce, and a cheesy topping, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to swap out the mixed vegetables for others like broccoli or peas. For added crunch, top with breadcrumbs before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg