Chicken Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
25 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
462 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Chicken Casserole
Description
This Chicken Casserole recipe starts with making a roux by cooking butter, diced onion, and flour, then gradually whisking in milk to create a thickened sauce. The sauce is enriched with cream cheese, cheddar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder for depth and flavor. Separately, lightly steamed broccoli, cooked rice, and cooked chicken are combined and coated with the cheese sauce.
The mixture is poured into a baking dish, topped with additional cheddar cheese and coarsely crushed buttery crackers, which provide a textured and golden crust when baked. Baking at 375 degrees creates a bubbly, browned surface with melted cheese. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color.
It works well as a hearty main course, balancing vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates. Using freshly grated cheese improves melt quality. The casserole can pair with simple sides or be a standalone meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup onion diced
- 2 1/2 cups milk I use whole milk
- 3 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, divided use
- 2 ounces cream cheese cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups broccoli lightly steamed or blanched, florets
- 3 cups rice cooked
- 3 cups chicken diced or shredded, cooked
- 1 cup crackers such as Ritz, coarsely crushed, buttery
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 9"x13" pan with cooking spray.
- Melt the butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the flour to the pot and stir to coat the onions; cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk the milk into the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until sauce has thickened (coats the back of a spoon).
- Add the cream cheese, 2 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and the salt, pepper, smoked paprika and garlic to the sauce. Stir until smooth.
- Place the broccoli, rice and chicken in a large bowl and stir to combine. Pour the sauce over the top and toss to coat evenly.
- Pour the broccoli mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top, along with the crushed crackers.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until casserole is bubbly, topping is browned and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with parsley and serve
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly.
- Long grain white rice is preferred, but short grain, brown, or wild rice can also be used.
- Broccoli can be pre-cooked by steaming in the microwave or blanching in boiling water for best texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 462 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 462kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Cholesterol | 82mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 778mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 280mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1155IU | 23% |
| Vitamin C | 21mg | 23% |
| Calcium | 482mg | 48% |
| Iron | 1.2mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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