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Cozy Chicken Casserole Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Dinner Idea

cozy chicken casserole recipe - featured image

A warm, satisfying chicken casserole with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and a crispy golden topping, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. If not using pre-cooked chicken, poach or roast about 1.5 pounds of chicken breasts until cooked through (15-20 minutes). Let cool and shred or dice.
  3. Cook 2 cups of rice according to package directions and set aside.
  4. In a medium pan over medium heat, sauté chopped onions and diced carrots in a splash of olive oil for about 5 minutes until softened. Add frozen peas during the last minute to warm through.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
  6. Add shredded chicken, cooked rice, and sautéed vegetables to the sauce mixture. Fold gently to combine.
  7. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
  8. In a small bowl, mix seasoned breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle over casserole, then top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until topping is golden and crispy and casserole is bubbly around edges.
  10. Let casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If topping browns too quickly, tent casserole with foil halfway through baking. Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for gluten-free option. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for added protein. Add splash of broth if sauce is too thick before baking. Let casserole rest before serving for easier slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy chicken casserole, family meal, baked casserole, cheesy casserole