Are you craving a delicious, hassle-free meal that will have your family begging for seconds? Look no further than this mouthwatering Easy Bake Chicken Casserole! Packed with creamy goodness, tender chicken, and a crispy cracker topping, this recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that combines convenience with incredible flavor. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or simply looking for a comforting meal that requires minimal effort, this casserole is about to become your new go-to dish!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup crushed crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the chicken mixture. Stir gently to distribute the vegetables evenly throughout the casserole base.
- Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
- In a separate small bowl, crush the crackers into fine crumbs. If needed, use the back of a spoon to break them down completely.
- Distribute the crushed crackers uniformly over the cheese layer, creating a crispy topping.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly shred chicken breasts to save time on preparation.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of garlic powder or dried herbs to the chicken mixture.
- Make sure to let the casserole rest after baking to allow the ingredients to set and make serving easier.
- If you want a lighter version, substitute low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.
- For a crispy top, ensure the cracker crumbs are evenly distributed and lightly toast before adding to the casserole.
- You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, adding the cracker topping just before baking.
- Feel free to swap frozen vegetables with fresh seasonal vegetables for added nutrition and variety.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs as the topping.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
