Ultimate Chicken Casserole

Here’s a Ultimate Chicken Casserole recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with tender chicken, veggies, and topped with a crunchy golden crust.

Ultimate Chicken Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

For the casserole:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup carrots, diced

• 1 cup celery, diced

• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup

• 1 cup chicken broth (or stock)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, or a mix)

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (adds creaminess)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the topping:

• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (Ritz crackers work well) or panko breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Cook the veggies:

   • Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

   • Add onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Sauté until veggies are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

   • Add garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Mix the casserole filling:

   • In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, cooked rice, sautéed veggies, frozen peas (if using).

   • Add cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, chicken broth, sour cream, shredded cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper.

   • Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.

4. Assemble the casserole:

   • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

5. Prepare the topping:

   • In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter.

   • Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

   • Optionally, sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top.

6. Bake:

   • Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

7. Serve:

   • Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

   • Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Tips for the Ultimate Chicken Casserole:

• Chicken: You can use leftover roasted chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or even canned chicken.

• Rice: Leftover rice works perfectly, but you can also substitute with cooked quinoa or pasta.

• Cream soups: If you want it healthier, use homemade cream sauces or swap for Greek yogurt and chicken broth.

• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a day before and refrigerate; bake just before serving.

• Freezing: This casserole freezes well, so make extra for later meals!