Delicious and Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Are you feeling a little fancy pants? Do you want to impress your family and guests with a delicious and slightly fancy chicken casserole recipe? Well, look no further and let me introduce you to my easy and gorgeous Fancy Pants Chicken Casserole Recipe. This casserole is a perfect balance of creamy southern flavors, tantalizingly savory herbs, and juicy chicken breasts.
I first tried this recipe at my friend Trisha Payne’s dinner party, and it was an instant hit with all of her guests. I just had to ask her for the recipe! With some tweaks of my own, I think I’ve now perfected it. Trust me, your family and guests will love this dish as much as I do.
The preparation of this casserole is easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy! All you need is a few simple ingredients that you most likely already have in your pantry such as chicken breasts or tenders, fresh spinach, mushrooms, slices of prosciutto, mozzarella cheese, white wine, olive oil, salt, pepper and savory herbs.
This Fancy Pants Chicken Casserole Recipe is perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings because it can be made ahead and reheated conveniently without compromising the flavor or texture. In addition to being an exciting main course for dinner parties or family gatherings, it could also be served as an appetizer alongside other healthy snacks.
So why wait? Put on your fancy pants and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fellow foodies, I’m excited to share with you my latest recipe creation that will blow your taste buds away: the Fancy Pants Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe. This dish is the perfect combination of creamy and savory, leaving you with a mouthwatering flavor that you won’t be able to resist.
What sets this recipe apart from others is how easy it is to prepare while still being “slightly fancy,” making it the ideal dish for a special occasion or when you want to impress your guests. But don’t fret if you’re short on time because this casserole meal prep takes only a few minutes of your time, and it’s ready in less than an hour!
You’ll love this recipe because it is a versatile dish that can be tailored to meet almost any kind of dietary requirement or preference. Whether you’re an avid meat-eater or follow a plant-based diet, our ingredient list has got you covered.
Moreover, our Fancy Pants Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe uses fresh ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, and prosciutto that not only add flavor but are also healthy additions to any meal. The combination of flavors makes this dish a perfect option for those looking for healthy dinners or lunches.
So ditch your regular dinner recipes and give this one a try. Trust me; your family and guests will love you for it!
Ingredient List
Ingredients:
- 6 Chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces or 6 chicken tenders
- 4 slices prosciutto
- Half bag of fresh spinach (8 oz)
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can of cream of celery soup
- Lipton Recipe Secrets Savory Herb with Garlic Soup Mix
- 4 cups white wine
- ¼ cup olive oil
Note:
All the canned soups used in this recipe should be around 10.5 oz.
Kitchen Tools:
– Spray (13×9) pan
This easy and slightly fancy-pants chicken casserole recipe calls for a few ingredients, but they all work together perfectly to create the right balance of flavors. Pants easy? Not really, but I promise you that it is worth it!
The Recipe How-To
Now we’re cooking! Let’s get started with my Fancy Pants Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe. This casserole is slightly fancy, but easy enough to make for any weeknight dinner or dinner party. I promise your family and guests will love it just like I do. Follow these easy steps for a delicious meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Before we jump into the recipe, here is everything you’ll need:
– 6 chicken tenders or 3 chicken breasts
– 4 slices of prosciutto
– 1/2 bag of fresh spinach (about 8 oz)
– 8 ounces of mushrooms, sliced
– Lipton savory herb with garlic soup mix
– 1/4 cup of white wine
– 4 cups of chicken broth
– 1/2 cup of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken and veggies.
- Cut the chicken tenders or breasts into bite-size pieces.
- Slice the mushrooms.
- Rinse and de-stem the spinach, then chop roughly.
Step 3: Layer the casserole.
In a 13×9 inch baking pan, spray with cooking oil. Put a layer of chicken in the pan, followed by a layer of mushrooms, then another layer of chicken.
Step 4: Add spinach and prosciutto.
Put spinach on top of the chicken-mushroom layer. Top with slices of prosciutto.
Step 5: Repeat layering.
Repeat layers until all ingredients are used up.
Step 6: Mix soup ingredients together.
Open a package of Lipton savory herb with garlic soup mix and mix in white wine, chicken broth, and olive oil.
Step 7: Pour sauce over casserole.
Pour sauce mixture over casserole to fully cover.
Step 8: Cover and bake.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and put it in the oven. Bake for one hour at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 9: Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional hour.
Remove foil after one hour and continue baking uncovered until most liquid has been absorbed and top slightly browns.
Serving suggestion
This Fancy Pants Easy Chicken Casserole is best served warm right out of the oven with a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette dressing. A glass of white wine would be the perfect touch as well. Enjoy!
That’s it! I hope you enjoyed this recipe as much as I have over the years. Feel free to customize it to your liking by substituting different vegetables or protein sources — that’s really what makes this dish so special. Happy cooking!
Substitutions and Variations
All right folks, listen up, because I’m about to give you some fancy pants ideas on how to switch it up with this easy chicken casserole recipe. First of all, when it comes to the chicken breasts, feel free to use chicken tenders instead. They cook faster and more evenly when cut into smaller pieces. Now, if you’re not a fan of prosciutto, you can try using bacon or ham instead. Experiment with different cheeses as well, like cheddar or Gouda, if you’re feeling adventurous.
Now let’s talk about veggies. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, swap them out for diced bell peppers or zucchini for a pop of color and flavor. You can also add in some diced onions or garlic for extra oomph. And if fresh spinach isn’t available, don’t sweat it – frozen spinach will do the trick just fine!
For those who want to kick up the heat, try adding some buffalo sauce to your casserole before baking. Or for a creamy southern twist, substitute the white wine with 4 cups of chicken broth and add in a pack of Lipton Recipe Secrets Savory Herb & Garlic soup mix to your sauce.
So there you have it – plenty of options to make this fancy pants easy chicken casserole recipe your own! Don’t be afraid to get creative and let your imagination run wild in the kitchen. Your family and guests will love how you’ve put a personal spin on this delicious classic.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have this fancy pants easy chicken casserole ready to go, let’s talk about how to serve it and what to pair it with.
This dish is perfect for serving a large crowd at a dinner party or family gathering. The creamy combination of spinach, mushrooms, and prosciutto with the tender chicken breasts and melted mozzarella cheese on top is sure to impress your guests.
I recommend pairing this dish with some warm crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices. You can also serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that will leave your guests feeling satisfied.
For those who love white wine, try pairing this casserole with a nice Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The subtle flavors of the wine complement the savory herb seasonings in the casserole.
But for those who prefer something bolder, a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot would be a great choice. These red wines work well with the rich and meaty flavors of the chicken and prosciutto.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair this dish, your guests will surely love it. It’s a slightly fancy, yet easily approachable meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the easy chicken casserole that feeds a crowd! But what to do when you’re prepping for a fancy pants party and don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen? Fear not – this recipe is perfect for make-ahead meal prep.
To make ahead: Prepare the casserole as instructed and refrigerate until ready to bake. You can even prepare it up to 24 hours in advance! Before baking, let the dish sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
To store leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Casseroles tend to get better as leftovers, so don’t hesitate to enjoy this one again for lunch or dinner later in the week!
To reheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and put the leftover casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and cook for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. If you’re reheating individual servings, try microwaving them on high for 2-3 minutes.
Pro tip: This recipe also freezes well! Once baked, let the casserole cool completely and then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, making sure you label it with contents and date. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating as instructed above.
So whether you’re meal prepping for busy weeknights or looking for a delicious way to use up leftovers from that fancy pants party, this easy chicken casserole has got you covered!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that we have gone through every aspect of this fancy pants easy chicken casserole recipe, it is time to dive into some of the details to achieve a perfect cook every time. Here are some foolproof tips for mastering the chicken casserole game and wowing your guests:
1. Don’t be shy with the cheese – mozzarella cheese is a key ingredient in this recipe as it adds that gooey and delicious factor, which everyone loves. When it comes to cheese, there’s no such thing as too much. Pile it on!
2. Use fresh ingredients – The fresher the ingredients you use, the better the taste and nutrition of your dish. Fresh mushrooms and fresh spinach are highly recommended in this recipe as they add texture and flavor.
3. Take out excess moisture from mushrooms – Mushrooms tend to hold a lot of moisture, which can make your casserole watery. To avoid this, ensure that you wipe off any debris using paper towels before slicing them.
4. Cook the chicken thoroughly – Raw chicken can be harmful to your health if not cooked properly. Always make sure that your chicken breasts or tenders are cooked all the way through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Optimize the olive oil and white wine mixture – The oil-wine combination that’s used in this recipe works wonders in bringing in robust flavors to the dish. The key to making this work is to whisk these ingredients together properly.
6. Let the casserole rest before serving – Patience is key when it comes to tasting great food! After baking your casserole, it is important to let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving so that everything sets nicely together.
So there you have it! With these tips and plenty of practice, you’ll be rocking your own slightly fancy pants chicken casserole in no time like Cheryl Fancy Pants herself!
FAQ
Now that you have learned how to make this fancy pants easy chicken casserole recipe, let us answer some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the dish. These common inquiries aim to help you avoid potential mishaps and make the most of this easy and delicious dinner recipe. So keep reading, and let’s address your questions and concerns about this gorgeous chicken casserole with spinach, mushrooms, and prosciutto.
What do you put in a bland chicken casserole?
When it comes to making a delicious casserole, spicing it up with fresh chilli and coriander can be a game-changer. However, it’s important to note that different herbs have different properties, and knowing when to add them is key. For example, hardy and robust herbs like bay leaves and rosemary should be added in the beginning of cooking, while lighter herbs such as parsley and tarragon should be added towards the end to preserve their distinct flavour. This tip can make a big difference in the taste of your dish.
What goes good with chicken casserole?
As a writer for a passionate party-throwing home chef, my job is to craft detailed instructions, tips, and recommendations for a tantalizing array of dishes. In this article, I will be sharing recipes for Garlic Green Beans, Roasted Beet Salad, Roasted Broccoli, Butter Swim Biscuits, Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables, Oven Roasted Acorn Squash, Cheesy Cornbread, and Cowboy Baked Beans. Get ready to whip up a feast that will have your guests begging for seconds!
What to serve with chicken broccoli casserole?
I have a mouth-watering menu lined up for the party, starting with a velvety Creamy Tomato Soup that dates back to ancient times. It never fails to please and sets the mood for the rest of the meal. To complement the soup, I plan on serving Herbed Dinner Rolls, warm and soft with the aroma of fresh herbs.
For the salad course, I recommend the flavorsome Sautéed Bell Pepper Salad that adds a crisp and bright element to the meal. Another great side dish is Sautéed Mushrooms, cooked just right to bring out their earthy goodness.
One of my personal favorites is the Grilled Cream Corn, which gives the meal a summery twist with its buttery and smokey flavor. Roasted Sweet Potatoes make for a perfectly balanced addition to the menu, being both savory and sweet.
To wrap up the feast, a refreshing and colorful Fruit Salad that is not only healthy but also a crowd-pleaser. Together, this array of dishes creates a well-curated menu that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Is it safe to put raw chicken in a casserole?
When making this dish, feel free to use chicken breast, chicken thighs or any leftover chicken. It’s important to note that using raw chicken is perfectly safe as long as the dish is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to kill any bacteria. Nonetheless, using raw chicken may extend the cooking time, so keep that in mind.
Bottom Line
With this recipe for Fancy Pants Easy Chicken Casserole, your guests will be impressed and your taste buds will thank you. This dish is not only easy to prepare, but it also has a uniquely delicious flavor that will make everyone crave more. Whether you choose to make it for a fancy dinner party or for a laid-back family gathering, this chicken casserole is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
So next time you want to impress your guests with a slightly fancy pants dish that is still easy and delicious, give this recipe a try. With fresh mushrooms, spinach, and prosciutto combined with juicy chicken breasts and topped with mozzarella cheese, this casserole will make everyone’s taste buds dance with joy.
Don’t forget to pair it with some white wine and savory sides like sweet potatoes or roasted vegetables for the ultimate dining experience. And if you have any leftovers, this casserole stores and reheats beautifully so you can enjoy it again and again.
In conclusion, whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want an easy and delicious dinner option, this Fancy Pants Easy Chicken Casserole recipe is the perfect dish for any occasion. So go ahead, put on your fanciest pants and get ready to enjoy the flavors of this gorgeous chicken casserole!
Fancy Pants Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 chicken breasts (thin, thawed)
- 4 slices prosciutto
- 5 ounces fresh spinach (half bag)
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 1/4 ounces Lipton Recipe Secrets savory herb with garlic soup mix
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375.
- spray a 13/9" pan with Pam.
- put 2 layers of chicken in pan, cover with prosciutto, top with spinach, sprinkle with a little kosher salt and coarse black pepper.
- top with mushrooms.
- whisk together olive oil, wine and savory herb envelope then pour over everything.
- Lay a piece of foil over (not tight).
- bake for 30 minutes.
- top with cheese and bake for 5 minutes more.
Your Own Notes
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!