Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Creamy Chicken and Pumpkin Bake! Imagine a dish that combines the rich, velvety texture of pumpkin with tender shredded chicken, all wrapped in a luxurious, cheesy sauce that will have your family begging for seconds. This recipe is not just a meal – it's a comfort food revolution that brings together classic American flavors in one irresistible casserole that's perfect for cozy nights and impressive enough for special gatherings.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, pumpkin puree, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed to ensure a balanced flavor profile.
- Transfer the chicken and pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth, consistent layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help retain moisture and prevent the top from browning too quickly.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to become golden and slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the creamy sauce to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley or additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- For the most tender and flavorful chicken, use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken – the extra depth of flavor makes a huge difference.
- Make sure to mix your ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of seasonings and create a creamy, consistent texture.
- Don't skip the resting time after baking – this allows the sauce to set and makes serving much easier.
- For a crispy top, you can sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs during the last 10 minutes of uncovered baking.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare it up to the point of baking and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or sage can add an extra layer of flavor to this already delicious dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 276kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
