EASY CHICKEN CASSEROLE RECIPE

Imagine the ultimate comfort food: tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a golden, bubbly topping that crackles with every bite. This Chicken Casserole recipe delivers exactly that, turning simple ingredients into a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make, and I promise, it’ll become a family favorite in no time!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup sour cream

For the Casserole:

• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen carrots
• 1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (like Rotel)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started: Prep is Key!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Trust me, greasing is important – nobody wants a stuck casserole!
2. Cook and shred your chicken. You can boil it, bake it, or even use leftover rotisserie chicken. I often use my Ranch Chicken Crock Pot recipe to make the chicken extra flavorful!

Making the Creamy Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. This is your roux – the base of your creamy sauce!
2. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk until smooth. Be patient and keep whisking to avoid lumps. If you do get lumps, don’t panic! Just use an immersion blender or whisk vigorously until they disappear.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and sour cream. The sour cream adds a lovely tanginess to the sauce.

Assembling the Casserole

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, creamy sauce, cream of mushroom soup, peas, carrots, water chestnuts, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Adding the Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Toss to coat.
2. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
3. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.

Baking to Golden Perfection

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Keep an eye on it! Ovens can vary, so you might need a few extra minutes.
2. Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a bit and makes it easier to serve.

Tips & Tricks for Chicken Casserole Success

Chicken Cooking Methods

As mentioned before, you’ve got options for cooking your chicken! Boiling is quick and easy, but baking or using a rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor. If you’re short on time, canned chicken works in a pinch, but fresh is always best. You can also try making it with Oven-baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken for an extra special version!

Veggie Variations

Don’t be afraid to customize the veggies to your liking! Green beans, corn, broccoli, or even chopped mushrooms would be delicious additions. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables – just make sure to drain them well if using canned. I’ve even snuck in some spinach before, and nobody noticed!

Cheese, Please!

Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese would be yummy. For a spicier kick, try using pepper jack cheese.

Cracker Creativity

Ritz crackers are my go-to for the topping, but you can also use other types of crackers like saltines, graham crackers (for a sweeter twist!), or even breadcrumbs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.

Make-Ahead Magic

Chicken casserole is a great make-ahead dish! You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. If you freeze it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Spice It Up!

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies. For even more flavor, you could try adding a dash of hot sauce. Think of this dish as a blank canvas where you can express your own creativity. You could even try making Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells and using the filling inside this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up the creamy sauce. For a heartier meal, serve it with mashed potatoes or rice. You could even try serving it with a side of Crockpot Chicken Tortellini for a rich meal.

Storage Instructions

Leftover chicken casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Why This Recipe Works

This chicken casserole recipe is a winner because it’s:

• Easy to make with simple ingredients.
• Customizable to your liking.
• A crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
• Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck.
• A great way to use up leftover chicken.

The creamy sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken and flavorful vegetables, while the crispy cracker topping adds a satisfying crunch. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out. Plus, it’s easy to adapt! You can make it with different types of protein, vegetables, or toppings to create your own unique version. I’ve even heard of people using Bang Bang Chicken as their base for a casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use different types of soup?

Absolutely! Cream of celery, cream of chicken, or even cream of broccoli soup would work well in this recipe. Experiment and find your favorite combination.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping, and make sure your flour is a gluten-free blend.

Can I add cheese to the sauce?

Definitely! Stir in some shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan cheese to the sauce for an extra cheesy flavor.

Can I use fresh herbs?

Yes! Add some chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the sauce for a boost of flavor.

How do I prevent the cracker topping from burning?

If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the casserole with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. I sometimes put a cookie sheet on the rack above the casserole to diffuse the heat a bit.

Final Thoughts

Chicken casserole is a timeless classic that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s comforting, delicious, and easy to make, making it a staple in many households. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does! Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients to make it your own. Happy cooking!