Craving a comforting, cheesy dinner that'll have your family begging for seconds? Look no further than this mouthwatering Hot Cheesy Chicken Casserole! Imagine a bubbling dish of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a crispy cracker topping that'll make your taste buds dance with joy. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that combines convenience, flavor, and pure comfort food magic!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup crushed crackers
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Fold in the frozen mixed vegetables, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the chicken mixture.
- Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the chicken mixture, creating a complete cheese layer.
- In a separate small bowl, crush the crackers into fine crumbs. If desired, mix the cracker crumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter for extra flavor and crispiness.
- Distribute the crushed crackers uniformly over the cheese layer, creating a crispy topping.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- • Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken for an even easier prep • For extra flavor, try using different types of cheese like sharp cheddar or pepper jack • Make sure to let the casserole rest after baking to help it set and make serving easier • If you want a healthier version, substitute low-fat cream of chicken soup and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream • Prep this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate - just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping • Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you want to kick up the heat • Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg
