Crunchy Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Crunchy Chicken Casserole is a comforting, delicious dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce, topped with a crunchy, flavorful topping. It’s a simple, family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. The best part? It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste!
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced, about 2 large chicken breasts or thighs)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or any creamy soup of choice like cream of mushroom)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, or any other vegetable like corn or carrots)
- 1/4 cup diced onion (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes (or breadcrumbs for a different texture)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added crunch and flavor)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter.
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, peas, diced onion (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Make the Crunchy Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes, melted butter, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Stir until the cornflakes are well-coated in the butter and seasonings.
- Sprinkle the crunchy topping evenly over the chicken mixture.
5. Bake the Casserole:
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover the casserole with foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
6. Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken up slightly and makes it easier to slice.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired for a pop of color.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad or a simple cucumber and tomato salad to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Rice or Potatoes: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or mashed potatoes for a more filling meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Pair it with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a well-rounded dinner.
Tips for Success:
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken. Just shred or dice it up and add it to the casserole.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add or swap out vegetables depending on what you like. Frozen mixed vegetables, corn, carrots, or broccoli are great options.
- Make It Healthier: You can swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt or use a low-fat cream of chicken soup for a lighter version.
- Add More Cheese: If you love cheesy casseroles, feel free to add extra shredded cheese to the top before baking for an extra cheesy crust.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. To freeze, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Family-Friendly: With simple ingredients and flavors everyone loves, this casserole is perfect for picky eaters and family dinners.
- Easy to Make: This is a one-dish meal that’s quick to assemble and doesn’t require a lot of hands-on time.
- Crunchy and Comforting: The creamy chicken filling combined with the crispy topping creates the perfect texture contrast. It’s both comforting and satisfying.
This Crunchy Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — hearty, creamy, and with a satisfying crunch on top. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
