The Best Chicken Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with *The Best Chicken Casserole*, a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. This creamy casserole combines tender, seasoned chicken, vibrant mixed vegetables, and fluffy cooked rice, all enveloped in a rich, homemade sauce that's bursting with flavor. Topped with a decadent layer of melted cheddar and a golden breadcrumb and parmesan crust, this one-dish wonder strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome. Ready in just an hour, with simple ingredients like panko breadcrumbs, heavy cream, and frozen veggies, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize and even better as leftovers. Whether you're looking to impress at the dinner table or sneak in some veggies for the kids, this chicken casserole will quickly become your go-to comfort classic.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
• 3 cups white rice, cooked
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet, let rest for a few minutes, and then chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.

Step 4

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain, and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Follow by whisking in the heavy cream and simmer for another minute.

Step 5

Add the cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, and cooked rice to the creamy sauce. Mix everything together and remove from heat.

Step 6

Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and olive oil until combined. Evenly sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the cheddar cheese layer.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Step 9

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting and delicious chicken casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3014.7 grams (3014.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4946

Total Fat 246.30g	316%
Saturated Fat 129.10g	646%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.40g
Cholesterol 1177mg	392%
Sodium 6826mg	297%
Total Carbohydrate 314.10g	114%
Dietary Fiber 24.10g	86%
Total Sugars 31.40g
Protein 334.10g	668%

Vitamin D 59IU	297%
Calcium 2383mg	183%
Iron 25mg	140%
Potassium 3746mg	80%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.1%

Protein: 27.8%

Carbs: 26.1%