Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines the perfect blend of savory chicken, hearty ham, and creamy goodness? Look no further than this irresistible Escalloped Chicken Ham Casserole that promises to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! Packed with protein, vegetables, and cheesy deliciousness, this recipe is about to become your new family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 3 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken and diced ham, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth and well blended.
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the soup mixture, stirring to coat the vegetables completely.
- Pour the cooked pasta into the baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Layer the chicken and ham mixture over the pasta, creating an even distribution.
- Pour the soup and vegetable mixture over the chicken and ham, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the top of the casserole.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, using a light hand to avoid over-salting.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, removing the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to become golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken for extra flavor depth and to save preparation time.
- For a crispy top, consider adding breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before the final cheese layer.
- Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente to prevent mushiness during baking.
- Choose a high-quality shredded cheese blend for maximum flavor complexity.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to help the sauce set and make serving easier.
- For added nutrition, experiment with different vegetable combinations like broccoli or cauliflower.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 342kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 51mg
