Creamy Chicken Casserole
A simple and comforting Creamy Chicken Casserole combining tender chicken breast, a rich and tangy creamy mushroom sauce, cooked rice, mixed vegetables, and a crispy French fried onion topping. Perfect for quick family dinners, make-ahead meals, and customizable to suit various dietary needs.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)
Protein
- 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and chopped or shredded
Base & Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Carbohydrates & Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
Topping
- 1 cup French fried onions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked through but still juicy, then chop or shred into bite-sized pieces to ensure tender, even bites throughout the casserole.
- Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, stirring well to create a flavorful, smooth base that will coat all ingredients evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked chicken, thawed mixed vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked rice into the creamy sauce mixture, making sure all components are well coated and evenly distributed.
- Assemble and Top: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle a generous layer of French fried onions on top to create a crunchy, golden crust once baked.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled casserole for 25-30 minutes until it is bubbling hot and the topping has turned a beautiful golden brown, allowing all flavors to meld together beautifully.
Notes
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Slightly undercook rice to help it absorb flavors better and prevent mushiness in the casserole.
- Add cream cheese to the sauce for a silkier, creamier texture if desired.
- To keep the topping especially crunchy, add French fried onions halfway through baking instead of before.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set properly and make serving easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: creamy chicken casserole, comfort food, family dinner, easy casserole, make-ahead recipe, baked chicken dish, gluten free casserole, quick dinner