Description
This Ultimate Chicken Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and a cheesy, crunchy topping. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it blends savory flavors and textures in an easy-to-make casserole that’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth, seasoned sauce base.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Stir the shredded chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer to Dish: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a flat, uniform layer.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated.
- Assemble Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, then spread the buttered cracker crumb mixture on top, creating a crunchy topping layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps it set slightly for easier serving and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute other types of mixed vegetables based on your preference.
- For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Ritz crackers add a buttery crunch; breadcrumbs can be used for a less rich topping.
- Ensure the chicken is well-cooked and shredded before combining to save prep time.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
