Delicious and Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Are you looking for the ultimate comfort food recipe that will satisfy your cravings and make your taste buds dance with delight? Look no further than my Heavenly Chicken Casserole Recipe! This dish is a crowd-pleaser that will make any mealtime more enjoyable.
As a home chef who loves throwing parties, I promise you this recipe will become a go-to in your recipe book. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or serving up a warm family meal, the delicious flavors and creamy textures of this chicken casserole will not disappoint.
With ingredients such as tender chicken breasts, wild rice, earthy mushrooms, refreshing celery, and tangy onion, combined with the rich flavors of cheddar cheese and sour cream, this tasty casserole is sure to please even the most discerning taste buds.
So if you’re ready to indulge in some serious yum-yum goodness, follow my detailed instructions, tips, and recommendations in this recipe article to create the heavenly comfort food that is my signature Heavenly Chicken Casserole Recipe. Trust me; you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a mouth-watering comfort food that is easy to make and perfect for gatherings? Then my Heavenly Chicken Casserole Recipe is the way to go. I guarantee you’ll love it just as much as I do!
What makes this casserole recipe so heavenly, you might ask? Let me tell you – it’s a cheesy and creamy mixture of tender chicken, wild rice, mushrooms, cheddar cheese, celery, green pepper, and onion baked with a crispy Ritz crackers topping. It’s like biting into a cloud of flavor and texture!
This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you crave something satisfying but don’t have much time to prepare. You can use leftover cooked chicken or boil chicken breasts or thighs yourself, which will also give the dish an excellent flavor boost.
What’s more? This versatile recipe adapts quickly to any dietary preference. Looking for a vegetarian option? You can easily swap the chicken for extra veggies or use shredded tofu instead. Want more spice? Add some buffalo sauce or diced jalapenos before baking.
In conclusion, whether you’re hosting a family dinner or an outdoor barbecue, this delicious chicken casserole recipe will make your guests go “yum yum.” Easy to make and full of flavor and nutrients, it’s the ultimate comfort food that brings people together. So why not try it now? Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Here is what you need to make this heavenly chicken casserole recipe:
- 1 cup wild rice, cooked
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- Butter (2 tbsp + 1/4 cup)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into small pieces
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
Note: You can use cooked chicken breast, chicken thighs, or shredded chicken in this recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of this delicious Heavenly Chicken Casserole Recipe, let’s dive right into how you can make it in your own kitchen. This recipe is very straightforward and easy to follow, but it also requires a few steps before it comes together into a comforting dish. Get ready to be amazed as you combine a number of savory ingredients to create the perfect chicken casserole.
Ingredients
First, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a large baking dish with olive oil. Then gather all the ingredients for the casserole:
- 2 cups of cooked chicken breasts or thighs, shredded or cut small
- 1 cup of cooked wild rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream chicken soup
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 2 cups of mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup of cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
STEP 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions, peppers, and celery in butter until they’re tender.
STEP 2: Add the sliced mushrooms, garlic and onion powder and continue cooking until they are soft.
STEP 3: To the skillet, add cream chicken soup, sour cream, and half of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until completely blended.
STEP 4: Next, add the cooked wild rice, chicken pieces, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well.
STEP 5: Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish.
STEP 6: Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Crush a few Ritz crackers and sprinkle on top for some extra crunch.
STEP 7: Finally, bake the casserole for around 20 minutes or until it’s golden brown on top and heated through.
Once you’ve taken it out from the oven, let cool for a few minutes before serving. This creamy Heavenly Chicken Casserole Recipe is perfect on its own or as a side dish alongside roasted veggies or fresh salad. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Now let’s talk about how you can put your own twist on this Heavenly Chicken Casserole Recipe. There are lots of ways to customize this recipe to your taste and make it even more delicious.
If you want to switch up the protein, try using shredded chicken instead of chicken breasts. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. You could even swap the chicken out for ground beef or turkey for a different take on this classic casserole.
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken altogether and add in some more veggies such as diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or even low-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream. You could also use brown rice instead of wild rice to make it more nutrient-dense.
For some added crunch, try topping your casserole with crushed Ritz crackers, sliced almonds, or crispy bacon bits.
Feeling adventurous? Add in some hot sauce or buffalo sauce to create a spicy chicken casserole. Or swap out the cheddar cheese for Swiss cheese or mozzarella cheese to create a cheesy chicken lasagna-like dish.
No matter how you customize it, this Heavenly Chicken Casserole Recipe will always be a crowd-pleaser that is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. So go ahead and get creative!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving this heavenly chicken casserole, you’ll want to let it cool for a couple of minutes before diving in – trust me, the anticipation will make each bite even more satisfying! You can serve it as a main dish with some steamed veggies or a side salad, or you can make it a part of a buffet spread for a party with other warm comfort foods like mac and cheese or meatloaf.
If you’re looking for some pairing suggestions, I recommend going with white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Alternatively, a light beer can also complement the dish well. If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, consider serving iced tea or lemonade to refresh your taste buds between bites of this rich and savory casserole.
No matter how you decide to serve it or pair it, your guests will be delighted to savor every bite of this heavenly chicken casserole. So go ahead and indulge in its creamy goodness – after all, comfort food is meant to be enjoyed!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, one of the trickiest parts of cooking – what to do with the leftovers? Fortunately, this Heavenly Chicken Casserole Recipe is versatile and easy to store. In fact, you can make it ahead to save time on a busy day, or double the recipe and freeze half for future meals. Here are my tips for making sure your leftovers stay just as tasty:
Make-Ahead:
To prepare ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions until Step 5. Instead of baking it immediately, cover it with foil or plastic wrap and place in the fridge. It can be stored in there for up to 2 days before baking it. Before baking take 10-20 minutes out of the fridge to let it come back to room temperature.
Storing:
To store this Heavenly Chicken Casserole Recipe after making it, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
If you’re looking to reheat leftovers, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes if there’s still some moisture left on top of casserole or up to 20/25 minutes if not but don’t overcook it where the ingredients start losing flavors. If you need a quick fix and not feeling like firing up the oven then a microwave will solve your problem in about 5 minutes or so (depending on power) – Cover with paper towel to avoid dryness.
Remember that it is best to reheat your Heavenly Chicken Casserole Recipe by using a covered dish and heating slowly to ensure that your crumbly topping remains intact and all Ingredients reheat evenly.
As long as you follow these tips on storing and reheating, you’ll be able to savor every bite of this comfort food long after its initial preparation.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking is an art, and sometimes even the best of artists face obstacles. If you’ve ever had a kitchen mishap or want to avoid one, allow me to share my top tips for perfecting this Heavenly Chicken Casserole Recipe.
1. Don’t skip on the seasoning
Let’s face it: chicken can be bland, that’s why seasoning is important. Use salt and pepper generously, along with the onion and garlic powders in this recipe. Don’t skimp on these seasonings as they help bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
2. Cut ingredients into small pieces for even cooking
It’s important to cut your chicken into uniform small pieces so that it cooks evenly with the wild rice, mushrooms, celery, and green pepper. This also allows the chicken flavor to meld well with other ingredients.
3. Mix soup and sour cream before pouring over chicken
To ensure an even distribution of flavor throughout the casserole, mix your cream of chicken soup and sour cream together first before pouring them over the chicken mixture mixture.
4. Crushed crackers add texture
The buttery Ritz crackers in this recipe serve not only as a topping but also provide a satisfying crunch factor, so don’t forget to crush them well before sprinkling them over your casserole.
5. Watch your baking time closely
Overbaking can lead to dry chicken or burnt edges which can ruin your dish. The oven temperature of 350 F is ideal for most casseroles; however, check frequently towards the end of cook time (35 minutes in) to adjust baking time as necessary based on your preferences or oven performance.
6. Make it ahead
Want to save time on busy days? Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead of time (without adding the crackers topping). Simply store it covered in the refrigerator until ready for baking. The results will taste even better after a night’s rest.
7. Get creative with variations
This Heavenly Chicken Casserole Recipe can be easily adapted according to personal tastes and preferences by swapping some ingredients or proteins (such as using cooked turkey instead of chicken) or adding new ones like carrots or bell peppers.
Remember that cooking is about enjoyment so relax and have fun experimenting! With these tips, you’ll enjoy making this Heavenly Chicken Casserole Recipe a staple in your meal plan repertoire, perfecting it time after time for mouthwatering results every time!
Bottom Line
I hope this recipe has inspired you to try something new in the kitchen. From creamy chicken casseroles to cheesy chicken lasagnas, the possibilities for comforting and satisfying meals are endless.
Whether you prefer to use fresh ingredients or opt for a quick and easy dish with canned goods, this heavenly chicken casserole recipe is sure to please everyone at your next gathering.
So why not give it a try? With just a few simple steps and a handful of ingredients, you can make a delicious and hearty meal that will keep your guests coming back for more. Trust me, the aroma alone will have everyone’s mouths watering in anticipation.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope it has provided you with valuable tips and insights into the world of chicken casseroles. Happy cooking!
Heavenly Chicken Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup green pepper (chopped)
- 1/2 cup celery (chopped)
- 2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup almonds (sliced)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (grated)
- 4 cups cooked chicken (cubed)
- 1 (4 ounce) can mushrooms
- 1 (6 ounce) box wild rice
Instructions
- 1. Saute Onions, Pepper & Celery in butter.
- 2. Add soup, almonds & Cheese (reservicing some Almonds and Cheese for top).
- 3. Add Chicken and mushrooms to rice.
- 4. combine everything and bake in a greased casserole dish, top with remaining cheese/almonds and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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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!