Ingredients
Protein
- Chicken breasts or thighs (tender, boneless pieces)
Base and Sauce
- Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup (base for creaminess)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (adds tang and thickens sauce)
Cheese
- Cheddar cheese (melty, sharp flavor)
Vegetables
- Frozen mixed vegetables or fresh veggies (such as broccoli, spinach, bell peppers)
Seasonings
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Carbohydrate Base
- Cooked rice, pasta, or potatoes (choose your favorite carb)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Cook the chicken until juicy and tender by baking, grilling, or pan-cooking. Meanwhile, chop fresh vegetables or thaw frozen ones, and prepare your chosen carb base like cooked rice or pasta.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom or chicken soup with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Combine Everything: In a large bowl or casserole dish, mix the cooked chicken, vegetables, cooked rice or pasta, and creamy sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle generous amounts of cheddar cheese over the top. Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let It Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes after baking so it sets slightly. Serve warm, garnished as desired.
Notes
- Use shredded chicken for better flavor distribution and texture.
- Choose vegetables that retain texture to avoid mushiness after baking.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the sauce.
- Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting and better taste.
- Assemble the casserole ahead of time to deepen flavors and save preparation time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Creamy chicken casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal, chicken bake, cheesy casserole, family friendly, one dish meal, gluten free casserole