Description
Southern comfort shines through this hot and cheesy chicken casserole, packed with creamy textures and rich flavors. Hearty layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Carbohydrates:
- 4 cups shredded chicken breast
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Ignite the oven to a warm 350°F, creating the perfect environment for a comforting culinary experience.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, gently combine tender shredded chicken, al dente pasta, velvety cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, rich cheddar cheese, vibrant green peas, sweet corn kernels, aromatic garlic powder, and a delicate balance of salt and pepper until the ingredients harmonize into a luxurious mixture.
- Lovingly transfer the creamy concoction into a generously greased rectangular baking vessel, ensuring an even distribution that promises consistent flavor in every bite.
- Craft a crispy topping by blending golden breadcrumbs with melted butter, creating a textural crown that will transform the casserole’s surface into a crunchy masterpiece.
- Elegantly cascade the remaining cheddar cheese across the breadcrumb landscape, allowing for a molten cheese blanket that will bubble and brown during baking.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing 25-30 minutes for the ingredients to meld, the top to transform into a bronzed canvas, and the cheese to reach a mesmerizing, bubbling crescendo.
- Pause momentarily after removing from the oven, letting the casserole settle and intensify its flavors before serving this comforting, cheese-laden creation.
Notes
- Customize this casserole by swapping vegetables based on family preferences or seasonal availability.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to make weeknight cooking faster and easier.
- Quickly shred rotisserie chicken for a time-saving protein option that adds extra flavor.
- Ensure even cooking by spreading the mixture uniformly in the baking dish.
- Breadcrumb topping adds delightful crunch and golden texture to the creamy base.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making great next-day lunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg