Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe

Description

This Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Casserole is the perfect comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a mix of vegetables in a rich, savory sauce. This dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and meal prep, as it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and reheats beautifully. The blend of gooey cheeses and seasoned chicken ensures every bite is satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 1 cup broccoli florets, lightly steamed
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Topping:

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cook the Chicken:
   • If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, poach or bake two chicken breasts until fully cooked. Let them cool slightly before shredding with two forks.
2. Cook the Rice:
   • Prepare 1 cup of uncooked rice according to the package instructions to yield 2 cups of cooked rice. Set aside.
3. Steam the Broccoli:
   • Lightly steam the broccoli florets until they are just tender. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

4. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Combine the Base Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Mix until smooth.
6. Add Seasonings:
   • Stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

7. Mix the Main Ingredients:
   • In the mixing bowl with the sauce, add the shredded chicken, cooked rice, peas and carrots, and steamed broccoli. Stir until everything is well combined.
8. Add the Cheeses:
   • Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
9. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the casserole mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Prepare and Add the Topping

10. Make the Topping:
    • In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the crackers are well coated with the butter.
11. Add the Topping:
    • Evenly sprinkle the cracker mixture over the top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

12. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Bake:
    • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
14. Cool Slightly:
    • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations for Casserole

Tips for a Perfect Casserole

• Fresh Ingredients:
  • Use fresh vegetables and high-quality cheeses for the best flavor.
• Even Cooking:
  • Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed in the casserole to prevent uneven cooking.
• Cover with Foil:
  • If the top is browning too quickly, cover the casserole with foil for the remaining baking time.

Variations of Casserole

• Mexican Casserole:
  • Add black beans, corn, and a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and top with crushed tortilla chips instead of Ritz crackers.
• Vegetarian Casserole:
  • Replace the chicken with extra vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Spicy Casserole:
  • Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Casserole

Origins of Casserole

The term “casserole” comes from the French word for “saucepan,” reflecting its origins as a dish cooked in a deep, round, ovenproof vessel. The concept of cooking a combination of ingredients together in a single pot dates back centuries and spans many cultures. Casseroles became especially popular in the United States during the 20th century due to their convenience and versatility.

Cultural Significance

Casseroles have become a staple in American cuisine, especially in the Midwest and South, where they are a common feature at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday meals. They are celebrated for their ability to feed a crowd and make use of leftover ingredients, embodying the spirit of frugality and creativity in the kitchen.

Fun Facts

• Green Bean:
  • Created in 1955 by the Campbell Soup Company, green bean casserole is one of the most iconic American casseroles, especially during Thanksgiving.
• Tater Tot Casserole:
  • Also known as “hotdish” in the Midwest, this casserole features tater tots, ground beef, and vegetables in a creamy sauce.
• French’s Crispy Fried Onions:
  • The popular topping for green bean casserole, these crispy onions were introduced by the French’s company in the 1930s.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Pairing with Other Dishes

• Side Salad:
  • A fresh, green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of this recipe.
• Garlic Bread:
  • Serve warm garlic bread on the side to soak up any extra sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables:
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus make a great addition to the meal.

Beverage Pairings

• White Wine:
  • A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the creamy, cheesy flavors of this recipe.
• Iced Tea:
  • A refreshing glass of iced tea is a non-alcoholic option that balances the dish’s richness.
• Light Beer:
  • A light, hoppy beer can complement the casserole without overpowering its flavors.

Creative Serving Ideas

• Individual Portions:
  • Make mini casseroles in ramekins for a fun, personalized touch.
• Stuffed Peppers:
  • Use the casserole filling to stuff bell peppers, then bake until the peppers are tender.
• Muffins:
  • Scoop the mixture into a muffin tin for easy-to-serve portions, perfect for brunch or lunchboxes.

Storing and Reheating

Storing

• Refrigeration:
  • Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing:
  • This recipe can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

Reheating

• Oven:
  • Reheat the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave:
  • Individual servings can be reheated in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

Advanced Techniques and Equipment

Essential Tools

• Casserole Dish:
  • A high-quality, ovenproof dish is essential for even cooking.
• Large Skillet:
  • Use a large skillet to sauté ingredients before adding them to the casserole.
• Mixing Bowls:
  • Multiple mixing bowls will help keep your ingredients organized.

Advanced Techniques

• Layering:
  • Layering different ingredients can create a more complex texture and flavor profile.
• Browning the Topping:
  • Use the broiler for the last few minutes of baking to get a perfectly golden, crispy topping.
• Flavor Enhancers:
  • Add a splash of white wine or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.

Fun and Creative Ideas

• Casserole Bar:
  • Set up a casserole bar with different fillings and toppings, allowing guests to customize their own casseroles.
• Casserole Cook-Off:
  • Host a casserole cook-off with friends and family, showcasing different recipes and styles.