Description
Indulge in this comforting Ultimate Chicken Casserole, a harmonious blend of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a satisfying and flavorful experience in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup uncooked pasta shells
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the mushrooms and broccoli florets, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until tender.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, and shredded chicken to the sauce. Stir until all components are evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or carrots based on your preference.
- Protein Options: This recipe works well with leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Chicken casserole, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipe