Yummy Chicken Casserole

Warm, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy, this Yummy Chicken Casserole is the perfect crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Made with tender shredded chicken, fluffy white rice, and vibrant peas, all enveloped in a rich and creamy cheese sauce, this casserole strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures. A savory topping of golden, crispy breadcrumbs adds a delightful crunch to every bite, making it a truly unforgettable dish. With simple ingredients like cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, garlic, dried thyme, and paprika, this recipe is a classic yet flavor-packed twist on traditional casseroles. Ready in just about an hour, this oven-baked comfort food delivers wholesome goodness and is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Perfect for meal prep or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish tastes great fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 cups frozen peas
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 pieces garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.

Step 2

In a large pot, bring water to boil and add the chicken breasts. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once done, shred the chicken and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken.

Step 5

Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the paprika, thyme, salt, black pepper, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, peas, and the cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 7

Pour the casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 9

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.

Step 10

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy your Yummy Chicken Casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1820.5 grams (1820.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3163

Total Fat 163.90g	210%
Saturated Fat 88.90g	445%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.30g
Cholesterol 697mg	232%
Sodium 7825mg	340%
Total Carbohydrate 195.70g	71%
Dietary Fiber 15.80g	56%
Total Sugars 20.60g
Protein 215.20g	430%

Vitamin D 32IU	160%
Calcium 2342mg	180%
Iron 16mg	88%
Potassium 2278mg	48%

*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: 47.3%

Protein: 27.6%

Carbs: 25.1%