Description
This Ultimate Chicken Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish combining tender shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and a cheesy, buttery crumb topping. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this casserole is easy to prepare and bakes to golden perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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 baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake.
- Mix creamy base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add chicken and vegetables: Fold in the shredded chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup) into the creamy mixture, mixing well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour and spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, making sure the surface is level for uniform baking.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Assemble topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the casserole, then evenly distribute the buttered cracker crumbs on top to create a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping has turned a golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
- For a lower-carb option, use crushed pork rinds instead of Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance flavor if desired.
