Description
A creamy, cheesy chicken casserole loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and two types of melted cheese. This easy one-dish dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Optional: ½ cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set aside.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth and well-blended.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Add the diced cooked chicken and frozen mixed vegetables to the sauce mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Layer the Cheese: Fold in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese into the chicken mixture. Mix gently to distribute the cheese throughout.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Add Top Layer: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- First Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- Optional Crispy Topping: If you’re using the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs, mix them with the melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking for a crispy, golden top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs if adding the crispy topping.
- Boost the Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like broccoli florets, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Cheese Variations: Try pepper jack for a spicy kick, Gruyère for a gourmet touch, or Monterey Jack for mild creaminess.
- Rotisserie Shortcut: Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. You’ll need about 3 cups of shredded or diced meat.
- Check for Doneness: The casserole is ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg