Chicken Casserole Recipe
The casserole as a dish has been around for centuries, with variations found in nearly every culture. The word "casserole" originates from the French term for a large, deep dish used both in the oven and as a serving vessel.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced1
- can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups crushed butter crackers (like Ritz)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and be ready in the expected time.
- Prepare the Chicken:If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken on hand, cook about 2-3 chicken breasts. You can either bake them in the oven, boil them, or use a rotisserie chicken for convenience. Once cooked, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the Base Ingredients:In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables:Gently fold in the cooked chicken and the frozen mixed vegetables. The vegetables will cook through in the oven, so there’s no need to thaw them beforehand.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the dish.
- Prepare the Crust:In a separate bowl, mix the crushed butter crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a deliciously crispy and buttery crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Let It Rest: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop out generous portions onto plates and enjoy! This chicken casserole pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread.