Cheesy Chicken Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 8 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 28 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
981 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Cheesy Chicken Casserole
Description
This casserole begins by seasoning chicken breasts with paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then coating them evenly with flour. After searing in butter until browned and slightly crispy, the chicken is arranged in a baking dish. A sauce is prepared in the same skillet by sautéing diced onions, then combining cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese, which melts into a creamy, flavorful mixture.
The cheese sauce is poured over the chicken breasts, and the dish is baked in a moderate oven until the chicken finishes cooking and the sauce thickens. The flour coating helps develop a light crust and aids in sauce adherence. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and creamy soup base results in a savory, rich texture that contrasts nicely with the chicken's firm meat.
This casserole serves well as a main dish accompanied by sides like steamed vegetables or rice, making a filling meal. The method allows partial finishing of the chicken on stove and completes cooking during baking to keep the breasts moist.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 large chicken breast boneless, skinless
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons butter divided
Cheese Sauce
- 1 white onion finely diced
- 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.75 ounces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded and divided, sharp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Chicken
- In a small bowl combine paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sprinkle seasoning mixture on both sides of the chicken breasts. Rub the mixture into each to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Dredge the seasoned chicken in the flour, making sure to cover all sides, and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter.
- Working in batches, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook 4 minutes on each side (or until browned and crispy). They might not be cooked through at this point.
- Add chicken to the prepared baking dish.
Cheese Sauce
- To the same skillet (remove any burnt bits) add diced onion and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Saute for 5-8 minutes, or until translucent.
- Add the cream of chicken, heavy cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Whisk to combine into a sauce.
Assembly
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Bake for 40 minutes. (Cooking time could vary, depending on the size of the chicken breasts.)
- Add remaining shredded cheese and cook 20 more minutes or until cheese is hot and bubbly and chicken is cooked through. Chicken is done when its internal temperature is 165°F.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 981 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 981kcal | 49% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.