If you’ve been searching for a comforting, soul-satisfying dinner that brings the whole family together, look no further than this Savory Baked Chicken Casserole Recipe. Packed with tender chicken, creamy mushroom soup, cheesy goodness, and vibrant peas and mushrooms, every bite is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that warm your heart and fill your belly. Whether for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this casserole strikes the perfect balance between simple preparation and truly delicious results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward but flavorful ingredients is the first step to crafting a truly memorable casserole. Each one plays an essential role in building layers of taste, creaminess, and a little crispy crunch on top.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cubed for even cooking and tender bites throughout the casserole.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the chicken perfectly and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing every other flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with savory richness.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a sweet, aromatic undertone.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup: The ultimate creamy base that binds everything together.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and background flavor to keep it from drying out.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings tanginess and extra creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a subtle herbal lift.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed: Adds pops of sweetness and vibrant green color.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms: Earthy flavor and extra texture that complements the chicken.
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice: Makes the dish hearty and filling.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: For a golden, crunchy topping.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Binds the breadcrumbs and browns them beautifully.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Bright green garnish for freshness and color.
How to Make Savory Baked Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that once your casserole is ready, it can go straight into a perfectly hot oven to achieve that ideal golden crust and bubbling interior.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Warm the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet and add the cubed chicken. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cooking the chicken until it’s no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes, locks in juices and flavor, setting the foundation for this hearty dish.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir in dried thyme and paprika. This luscious mixture adds layers of creamy, tangy, and earthy flavors that tie the casserole’s ingredients into one cohesive dish.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Add the cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, peas, sliced mushrooms, and cooked rice to the creamy mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until every ounce is beautifully combined, no ingredient left behind!
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then pour in the mixture. Spread it out evenly so every scoop gets all the goodness packed inside.
Step 6: Prepare the Topping
Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until they’re well coated. Sprinkle this crumbly topping evenly over the casserole, promising a satisfying crunch after baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your casserole into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch for a golden brown crust that’s bubbly and irresistible, signaling it’s done and ready to delight your taste buds.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
After removing your casserole from the oven, let it rest a few minutes—this helps everything settle and makes serving easier. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and subtle herbal brightness.
How to Serve Savory Baked Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice here, but feel free to add a scattering of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of creamy ranch dressing for an added flair. These little touches elevate the dish and enhance its visual and flavor appeal.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables adds balance and freshness. Imagine the contrast between the creamy casserole and the bright, crunchy veggies—you won’t regret it.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider scooping the casserole into individual ramekins for a charming presentation or layering it in a beautiful ceramic dish that becomes the centerpiece of your table. For a casual gathering, serve with rustic bread to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This Savory Baked Chicken Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. Simply prepare through Step 5, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as instructed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the topping crisp and the casserole evenly heated, avoiding the sogginess that sometimes happens with microwave reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar adds great flavor and meltiness, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend can work beautifully depending on your taste preferences.
Is it okay to use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?
Yes, fresh mushrooms add a lovely texture and flavor. If you swap out canned soup for fresh mushrooms, consider adding a bit of cream or milk to maintain that creamy consistency.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Sure! Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and extra mushrooms. Use vegetable broth and a vegetarian cream soup alternative to keep it rich and satisfying.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute, providing a similar tang and creaminess while being a bit lighter.
How spicy is this casserole?
It has a mild warmth mostly from paprika and black pepper, making it comfortable for all palates, including kids and those sensitive to spice.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Savory Baked Chicken Casserole Recipe is like inviting a cozy hug to your dinner table. It’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly comforting, making it a perfect go-to meal when you want something delicious without the fuss. Once you make it, it will surely become one of your favorite recipes to share with friends and family!
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Savory Baked Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Savory Baked Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender chicken cubes cooked with aromatic spices, creamy mushroom soup, and sour cream, mixed with rice, peas, mushrooms, and cheddar cheese. Finished with a crispy breadcrumb topping and baked to golden perfection, it makes for a perfect family-friendly dinner that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Casserole Mixture
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir in dried thyme and paprika until fully blended, creating a creamy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, thawed peas, sliced mushrooms, and cooked rice into the bowl with the creamy sauce. Mix thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading everything out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole for a golden, crispy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sauté the mushrooms before adding them to the mixture.
- Use cooked rice that is cooled to prevent the casserole from becoming mushy.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead; just cover and refrigerate before baking.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
