Here is the complete step by step recipe of Chicken Casserole. It is a very comfort food that becomes everyone’s favorite. Chicken Casserole can be made anytime, be it dinner or potlucks and sometimes it gives a great experience at parties. Know its complete recipe below.
Before making Chicken Casserole, gather all the ingredients first so that you do not have to go here and there while making it and you can make it properly.
Table of Contents
Chicken Ingredients:
- Skinless chicken breast, 2 large boneless (or shredded chicken, about 3 cups cooked)
- Black pepper ½ teaspoon
- Salt 1 teaspoon
- Olive oil 1 tablespoon (if your chicken is already cooked then oil is not required, use oil to cook the chicken)
Casserole Base Ingredients:
- Butter 2 tablespoons
- Chopped garlic 2
- Onion 1 finely chopped
- Carrot 1 cup chopped (2 medium carrots)
- Chopped celery 1 cup (2 stalks)
- Cream of chicken soup 1 can (10.5 ounces)
- Cheddar cheese 1 cup shredded
- Milk ½ cup
- Sour cream 1 cup
- Dried thyme 1 teaspoon (or Italian seasoning)
- Paprika ½ teaspoon (optional)
- Pepper and salt to taste
Additional Mix:
Frozen peas 1½ cups (be sure not to thaw)
Cooked rice or cooked and egg noodles 2 cups (optional but recommended for bulk)
Topping
You can use buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers 1 cup.
Butter 2 tablespoons, melted.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat
oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter and set aside.
2. How to Cook the Chicken (Skip this step if using pre-cooked chicken and read step 3)
If starting with raw chicken breasts, first:
How to Season the Chicken: Use a paper towel to dry the chicken breasts and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Using the Pan: Set the pan on high to medium heat. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 8 to 9 minutes. Note that it should not be cooked completely, keep its temperature at 165 degrees Fahrenheit only.
Let it cool down and then cut: Before cutting the chicken, let it cool down for 5 minutes and then use two forks. Then use about 3 cups of chopped chicken.
Important information: If you want it to be ready quickly, then you can use rotisserie chicken, which is perfect.
3. Use and roast vegetables:
To roast all the vegetables, use a saucepan or take a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and melt it on medium heat.
Now add finely chopped onion, carrot, celery in it and fry it for 6 to 8 minutes till it becomes soft. Till it turns golden.
Now add chopped garlic in it, then keep cooking for 35 to 40 seconds, keep stirring in between or else it will burn.
Using all of these enhances the taste and it shows that you are making a delicious casserole base. (Sometimes it makes your mouth water)
4. To make a creamy base:
In the same pan as the other veggies:
Add a can of creamy chicken soup. Most everyone loves homemade soup, so you can use chicken stock or a roux instead.
Using dairy: Dairy is used for chicken and creamy soups, so add milk and sour cream and mix until creamy and smooth.
Seasoning the base: Sprinkle paprika, thyme, salt and pepper to add flavor. You can also add a pinch of onion powder or garlic powder here, some people like it, but adjust to your liking.
Using cheese: Add grated cheddar cheese and mix well until it melts and blends well.
Make sure you have a smooth, delicious and creamy base. If not, or if it is too thick, you can add a little milk to it.
5. What to add:
Assembling the casserole mixture –
Now add the chicken that you had prepared earlier.
Then add the frozen peas without thawing them.
Optional:
When to add noodles or rice: When you are cooking for more people, add two cups of cooked egg noodles or rice to make this dish full and spreadable.
Now mix well so that it gets coated well with the creamy sauce.
Now that your casserole is ready, it is time to pour it into the baking dish.
6. How to pour:
Always use a spoon to pour the mixture into the 9×13 inch casserole dish.
Smooth the top layer with a spatula. This helps it bake evenly (which makes it look good and tastes amazing.)
7. Use/Add Toppings
The final touch is this crunchy, buttery topping:
Crackers: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of crushed Reeds Crackers or panko breadcrumbs with melted butter (2 tablespoons).
Toppings: Spread the mixture evenly over the casserole. This adds a golden, crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling and is a great addition.
8. Casserole baking time:
Oven: Slide your casserole into the preheated oven
Baking time: Do not cover the casserole when baking. Leave it uncovered for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbles form around the edges.
How to check if it’s done:
If you’re using colder ingredients (like leftover rice)
the time may increase to 35 to 40 minutes, but keep an eye on the edges for bubbles and a golden brown color as directed.
9. Rest then serve:
When baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 8 to 10 minutes. This will allow it to firm up and make for a perfect serving.
Optional garnish:
Sprinkle some finely chopped parsley or chives on top for some freshness and color.
Serving: Spoon onto a serving platter with a salad on the side. Steamed green beans or crusty bread can be used to serve this dish warm with a side of slaw. This will make this dish even better.
Leftovers / Storage:
When to Refrigerate: When there are leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
When to Refrigerate:
When the casserole freezes well, refrigerate in an airtight dish for up to 2 months and refrigerate overnight before reheating.
Reheat: To reheat, microwave or preheat in a 350°F oven for 20 to 22 minutes. This will make it ready to eat.
Variations and Substitutions:
Cheese: For a change in flavor or a different taste, try Monterey Jack, Colombo, or mozzarella.
Vegetables: You can add green beans, corn, spinach, mushrooms or any other thing you like to make vegetables tastier. Remember that sometimes too much cheese makes it tasteless.
Meat: For meat, use cooked ground beef or turkey instead of chicken.
For less fat: Use light sour cream or low fat cottage cheese.
Serving method:
- Chicken Pulao is a versatile meal. You can try adding some things to it:
- Garlic bread
- Side salad
- Roasted vegetables or green beans
- Marinated potatoes. Do not add noodles to it.
Final Thoughts:
The epitome of comfort food, the classic chicken casserole is easy to make and most of all, it is budget friendly.
It is a kid-friendly meal.
Perfect for potlucks or meal prep.
You can make this dish anytime of the day. Whether you make it for Sunday dinner or a weekend meal, it will never disappoint and will be a delight.
Whether you have guests over for parties at home or just for your own personal taste, chicken casserole is a favourite and is sure to be loved by all.