Chicken Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Additional Time
15 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
791 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Chicken Casserole
Description
Chicken Casserole uses cooked, shredded chicken mixed into a creamy sauce made from cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cheddar cheese is folded into the filling for added richness, and a crumbly topping of crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter creates a golden crisp crust when baked. Cooking at 375°F for 35 to 40 minutes allows the casserole to bake through, bubbling and developing a lightly browned topping.
The textures range from creamy and cheesy in the filling to crunchy on top, presenting a satisfying combination. The seasoning with onion and garlic powders provides subtle depth without overpowering the mild chicken and cheese flavors. Cooling the casserole after baking helps it set, which aids neat serving.
This casserole can be served as a main dish, matched with simple sides like a green salad or steamed vegetables. Adding sautéed vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms before baking can customize the casserole further. This recipe suits cooks looking for a make-ahead, comforting, and hearty chicken dish.
Preparation tips include shredding chicken by poaching or roasting breasts and beating warm chicken with a mixer to shred quickly. Avoid skipping the cooling step to allow proper setting. Crushing your own cheese fresh via a grater can improve texture. Vegetables should be sautéed before adding to reduce water content and maintain casserole consistency.
Ingredients
- 2 cream of chicken soup 10.5-ounce cans, condensed
- 1 cup sour cream (240g)
- 1½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 8 cups chicken about 2 rotisserie chickens, shredded, cooked
- 2 cups cheddar cheese divided (225g, shredded
- 2 full sleeves Ritz crackers lightly crushed
- 4 tablespoons butter 56g, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Lightly spray a 13x9-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in the chicken and 1½ cups of cheese. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl stir together the crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle crackers over the chicken mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of cheese.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the filling is bubbling and the crackers are lightly browned. Allow the casserole to cool and set for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Vegetables such as broccoli or mushrooms can be added after sautéing to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- Shred chicken quickly by poaching poultry breasts gently or roasting with olive oil, salt, and pepper at 375°F, then shredding while still warm using a mixer.
- Grate cheese by hand or food processor to ensure freshness and even melting.
- Allow casserole to cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to help it firm up for easier cutting and portioning.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 791 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 791kcal | 40% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 61g | 122% |
| Fat | 50g | 77% |
| Saturated Fat | 23g | 115% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7g | 41% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 227mg | 76% |
| Sodium | 1625mg | 68% |
| Potassium | 610mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 1108IU | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 385mg | 39% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.