CHICKEN CASSEROLE EASY AMAZING

Imagine creamy, savory chicken nestled amongst tender vegetables and topped with a golden, bubbly crust. That’s the Chicken Casserole of your dreams, and it’s closer than you think! This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a hug in a dish, guaranteed to become a family favorite, and I promise you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make!

The Star Players: Your Chicken Casserole Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional, but highly recommended!)

For the Veggies:

• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen green beans
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped onion

For the Topping (Choose One or Mix & Match!):

• 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers, tossed with 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 1/2 cups potato chips, crushed
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups French fried onions

Step-by-Step: Your Casserole Creation Guide

Prepping the Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the chicken breasts. You can boil them, bake them, or even use leftover rotisserie chicken. I often poach mine for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
3. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it using two forks.
4. In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This adds a little extra flavor before it goes into the casserole!

Making the Creamy Sauce:

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which is the base for our creamy sauce.
3. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps.
4. Add the milk, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the dry sherry (if using). This adds a depth of flavor that’s just *chef’s kiss*!

Assembling the Casserole:

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, creamy sauce, peas, carrots, green beans, celery, and onion. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
2. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle your chosen topping (crushed Ritz crackers, potato chips, cheese, or French fried onions) evenly over the top of the casserole.

Baking to Golden Perfection:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
2. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and prevent you from burning your mouth!

Troubleshooting & Triumphs: Common Casserole Questions

My sauce is too thick!

No worries! Simply whisk in a little more chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Add it a tablespoon at a time to avoid over-thinning.

My sauce is too thin!

If your sauce isn’t thickening, you can create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Whisk this into the sauce and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up. Be sure to whisk constantly to avoid lumps.

Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the peas, carrots, and green beans for other veggies like broccoli florets, corn, or mushrooms. Just make sure they’re cooked or par-cooked before adding them to the casserole.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, add the topping, and bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’s starting from cold.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Cheesy Chicken Casserole:

Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the creamy sauce and sprinkle an additional 1 cup on top before baking. For even more cheesy goodness, consider using a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby cheese.

Mushroom Chicken Casserole:

Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms in butter until softened before adding them to the casserole. You can also use cream of mushroom soup in place of some of the chicken broth for an even richer flavor.

Spicy Chicken Casserole:

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce for a little kick. You can also use pepper jack cheese for the topping.

Healthy Chicken Casserole:

Use whole wheat flour for the roux, low-fat milk, and load up on the veggies. You can also use a lighter topping like whole wheat breadcrumbs.

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

Chicken Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. A light and refreshing French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole could be an excellent alternative for a side as well.

More Casserole Inspiration: Branching Out

Once you’ve mastered this classic Chicken Casserole, why not try some other variations? For a delightful twist, explore the Chicken Casserole Recipe. Or, for a comforting blend of flavors, check out the Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. If you’re seeking a Southern-inspired dish, consider the Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. And lastly, for a comprehensive take on this popular dish, review the Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe.

Your Casserole, Your Way: Personalizing the Experience

The beauty of Chicken Casserole is its versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create a casserole that’s perfect for you and your family. Use your favorite cheese, add your favorite spices, and don’t be afraid to get creative with the topping! The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process.

Final Thoughts: Comfort Food Champion

There you have it – the ultimate guide to making a truly amazing Chicken Casserole. It’s a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a casserole masterpiece that everyone will love! Enjoy!

Easy Amazing Chicken Casserole

This chicken casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish, perfect for busy weeknights. It features tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce, topped with a golden, bubbly crust.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup dry sherry optional
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen green beans
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large bowl
• Large saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook chicken breasts. Poach for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. Shred using two forks.
3. In a bowl, toss shredded chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
5. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
6. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, breaking up any lumps.
7. Add milk, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
8. Stir in dry sherry (if using).
9. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, creamy sauce, peas, carrots, green beans, celery, and onion. Mix well.
10. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
11. Toss the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, and sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
13. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water). Add cheese, mushrooms, or spices for variations. Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.