Ultimate Chicken Casserole
Ultimate Chicken Casserole
This casserole is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for any meal. Juicy chicken combined with a medley of vegetables is enveloped in a creamy sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese that bakes to a bubbly, golden finish. It’s an effortless one-pan meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 lbs |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn) | 2 cups |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Oven & Sauté Aromatics
Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced onion and minced garlic until they soften and become fragrant.
Step 2: Cook Chicken & Mix Ingredients
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and brown them on all sides. Stir in the mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Simmer & Transfer to Dish
Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Pour everything into the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Add Cheese & Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy this deliciously creamy and cheesy meal!
Tips for Best Results
- Quick Fix: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken breasts to save time—just mix it in with the other ingredients before baking.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from chilled.
- Customize: Swap out the veggies or cheese to suit your taste. For a lighter dish, try low-sodium soups and broths or reduced-fat cheese.
- Crunch Factor: Add a topping of breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese on top of the cheddar before baking for a delightful crispy finish.
