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
Scale
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.
