Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my *absolute* favorite comfort food: baked cheesy chicken casserole! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. It’s so easy to whip up, and it has become a staple in my home. I remember the first time I made it – my kids couldn’t stop raving about it! The gooey cheese, tender chicken, and creamy sauce all meld together into sheer deliciousness. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken or even turkey! Trust me, once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite. It’s the perfect meal to bring everyone together at the dinner table!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
These simple ingredients come together to create a deliciously creamy and cheesy dish that everyone will love. Make sure your chicken is cooked and shredded ahead of time, and the rice is fluffy and ready to go. It’s all about convenience and taste, and I promise you won’t need anything fancy to make this casserole shine!
How to Prepare Baked Cheesy Chicken Casserole
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want everything to cook evenly and the cheese to melt perfectly!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and milk. I love using a spatula to fold everything together gently. This way, you can ensure all those flavors blend beautifully!
- Next, toss in the frozen mixed vegetables along with the garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated in that creamy goodness.
- Now, transfer this delightful mixture into a greased baking dish. I like to use a 9×13 inch dish, but anything similar will work just fine.
- Don’t forget the star of the show! Top your casserole with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Yum!
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and golden on top. The aroma will have your mouth watering!
- Once it’s out, let it sit for a few minutes before digging in. This little wait makes it easier to serve and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- One dish means less mess and easier cleanup – yay!
- Rich, cheesy flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Comforting and satisfying, it feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Versatile enough to use whatever leftovers you have on hand.
This baked cheesy chicken casserole is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy to any table. You won’t regret making this delightful dish!
Tips for Success
To make sure your baked cheesy chicken casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, don’t hesitate to switch up the protein – leftover turkey works great, or you can even go for a plant-based chicken substitute if you prefer. If you want to sneak in some extra nutrition, add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers; they blend in beautifully! Also, if you like a bit of a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. And remember, letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set, making it easier to serve. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your dish to the next level!
Variations of Baked Cheesy Chicken Casserole
One of the best things about this baked cheesy chicken casserole is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch up the ingredients to keep things exciting. For veggies, try adding broccoli, zucchini, or even some sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor. If you’re in the mood for something different, swap out the chicken for cooked shrimp or even a hearty white bean mix for a vegetarian twist. For spices, consider adding taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex flair or a sprinkle of Italian herbs for a Mediterranean vibe. The options are endless, and I can’t wait for you to get creative with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your baked cheesy chicken casserole is super easy! Just let it cool down completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop it in for about 20-25 minutes until it’s heated through and the cheese is melty again. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal – just be sure to cover it to keep it moist. Enjoy every cheesy bite again!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information for this baked cheesy chicken casserole can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The values provided are approximate and meant to serve as a general guide. For precise nutritional details, always check the labels of your ingredients.
FAQ About Baked Cheesy Chicken Casserole
How long does it take to cook this casserole?
You’ll want to bake your casserole for about 25-30 minutes. Just keep an eye on it until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top!
Can I use raw chicken?
I wouldn’t recommend using raw chicken in this recipe since it needs to be cooked thoroughly. Stick with cooked chicken for the best results. If you want to save time, rotisserie chicken works wonders!
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade white sauce. Just make sure it’s creamy and flavorful to keep that delicious texture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This baked cheesy chicken casserole yields about 6 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just be sure to cover it well, and it’ll be ready to pop in the oven when you need it!
Baked Cheesy Chicken Casserole: 7 Ways to Love It
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A comforting baked cheesy chicken casserole that is easy to prepare and delicious to eat.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, milk, mixed vegetables, and seasonings.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute the chicken with turkey or a plant-based alternative.
- You can add more vegetables as desired.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: baked cheesy chicken casserole, chicken casserole, cheesy casserole
