Go Back
To make the Amazing Chicken Casserole, you need these main ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 cup cauliflower florets - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil These ingredients work together to create a creamy and hearty dish. The chicken provides protein, while the broccoli and cauliflower add a lovely crunch. Quinoa gives it a nice texture and boosts nutrition. You can add breadcrumbs on top for an extra crunch. - 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping) Breadcrumbs help create a golden crust. They add texture and make the dish even more satisfying. Drizzling with olive oil helps the breadcrumbs brown. If you have dietary needs, here are some easy swaps: - Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. - Swap quinoa for brown rice or any grain you prefer. - Choose dairy-free sour cream and cheese for a vegan option. These substitutions keep the dish delicious while meeting your needs. You can enjoy this casserole no matter your dietary choices. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps cook the casserole evenly. 2. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 cup of broccoli florets, 1 cup of cauliflower florets, and 1 cup of cooked quinoa. Stir well to combine. 3. In another bowl, whisk together 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Make sure this mixture is smooth. 4. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and veggies. Stir until everything is coated well. 5. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. This will prevent sticking. 6. If you want a crunchy top, sprinkle 1 cup of breadcrumbs over the casserole. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil on top to help the breadcrumbs brown. 7. Add 1 cup of shredded cheese on top. You can use cheddar or mozzarella, depending on your taste. 8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. This traps steam and keeps it moist. 9. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Look for bubbly and golden cheese. 10. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This makes it easier to cut and serve. - Serve with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. - You can also top the casserole with fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor. - Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated for another meal. To boost the flavor of your casserole, use fresh herbs. Chopped parsley or thyme adds zest. You can also mix in some sautéed onions or mushrooms for depth. If you like spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce. Another trick is to use rotisserie chicken instead of plain cooked chicken. This adds a rich, savory taste to the dish. After serving, let the casserole cool. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Wrap it well in plastic, then put it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, simply take it out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven for about 20-30 minutes. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. If you want a crisp top, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes. Enjoy it warm and delicious! Pro Tips Tip Title 1: Using leftover rotisserie chicken can save you time and add flavor to your casserole. Tip Title 2: For a healthier option, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in the recipe. Tip Title 3: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and color. Tip Title 4: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavors in this casserole. Try using different veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Swap quinoa for rice or pasta for a new texture. Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an earthy taste. If you want more spice, add diced jalapeños or chili powder. You can also replace the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or even a homemade sauce. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them altogether. Ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free too. Many brands offer this option. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for the base. You can also use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a tasty twist. You can make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the chicken. Use beans or lentils instead for protein. Replace the chicken with extra vegetables, like zucchini or mushrooms. For a creamier texture, add extra sour cream or a plant-based alternative. Make sure the cream of mushroom soup is vegetarian too. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious, hearty meal. To store your amazing chicken casserole, let it cool first. Once cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. This keeps the casserole fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label it with the date for easy tracking. Freezing is a great way to save leftovers. First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cut it into individual portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap, then in foil. You can also use freezer-safe containers. This helps prevent freezer burn. Store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Stored in the fridge, the casserole lasts about three days. After that, it may lose taste or texture. If frozen, it remains good for about three months. To ensure safety, always check for changes in smell or appearance before eating. If in doubt, throw it out! Yes, you can use fresh vegetables. Fresh broccoli and cauliflower work well. Just chop them into small pieces. Cooking time may change if you use raw veggies. They might need a bit longer to cook. You can prepare the chicken casserole a day before. Mix all the ingredients and place them in the dish. Cover and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Chicken casserole pairs well with a simple green salad. You can also serve it with bread or rolls. For extra flavor, try garlic bread or cornbread on the side. These options complement the creamy casserole nicely. This post covered key ingredients for your casserole, including main and optional choices. It laid out simple steps for preparing, baking, and serving. You learned helpful tips for flavor, storage, and reheating. Variations like gluten-free and vegetarian options make this dish more flexible. Finally, storing leftovers properly keeps your meal fresh longer. Choose flavors and ingredients that suit you. Enjoy cooking and sharing your casserole with others!

Amazing Chicken Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole featuring chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce topped with cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broccoli, cauliflower, and cooked quinoa. Stir to mix well.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and vegetable mixture, and stir until evenly coated.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
  • If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy texture. Drizzle with olive oil to help the breadcrumbs brown nicely.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the casserole.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Optional breadcrumbs can add a crunchy texture.
Keyword casserole, chicken, comfort food