Introduction
Welcome to this delicious homemade chicken casserole recipe! If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, you’ve come to the right place. This dish is a classic favorite that combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, creamy sauce, and a crispy topping. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, this chicken casserole recipe is sure to impress your loved ones.
Ingredients
Before you begin making your homemade chicken casserole, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready:
1. 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2. 1 cup chopped onions
3. 1 cup sliced carrots
4. 1 cup chopped celery
5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
6. 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
7. 1 cup chicken broth
8. 1 cup milk
9. 1 tsp dried thyme
10. Salt and pepper to taste
11. 2 cups cooked rice
12. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Steps
Follow these simple steps to create your homemade chicken casserole:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the chicken breasts until no longer pink. Remove from the skillet and shred into bite-sized pieces.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until tender.
4. Add the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
5. Add the cooked rice and shredded chicken to the skillet and mix everything together.
6. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Variations
Feel free to customize your homemade chicken casserole with these variations:
– Substitute the chicken breasts with leftover cooked chicken or turkey.
– Add your favorite vegetables such as peas, bell peppers, or broccoli.
– Use different types of cheese like mozzarella, Swiss, or Parmesan for a unique flavor.
– Top the casserole with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for an extra crunch.
Tips
Here are some tips to elevate your chicken casserole game:
– To save time, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch.
– Make ahead and refrigerate the casserole before baking for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
– Experiment with herbs and spices like rosemary, parsley, or paprika to enhance the flavor profile.
– Serve the casserole with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to make a delicious homemade chicken casserole that is sure to become a family favorite. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe offers a comforting and flavorful dish that will warm your heart and soul. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a cozy meal, this chicken casserole is the perfect choice. Enjoy every bite and savor the love and effort you put into making this wonderful dish!
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the chicken casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Just make sure to thaw it completely before reheating.
Q: How long can I store the leftovers?
A: Store any leftover chicken casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Q: Can I use different types of meat in this casserole?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the chicken with beef, pork, or even tofu for a unique twist on this classic dish.
A homemade chicken casserole
A comforting and hearty chicken casserole that combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, creamy sauce, and a crispy cheddar topping. This classic dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings and is sure to impress your loved ones.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook the chicken breasts in a skillet until no longer pink, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
-
Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in the same skillet until tender.
-
Add cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
-
Mix in cooked rice and shredded chicken. Combine everything.
-
Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
