Old Fashioned Chicken Casserole
Savor the comforting taste of nostalgia with this Old Fashioned Chicken Casserole—a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Featuring tender shredded chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy sauce nestled over a bed of fluffy white rice, this casserole is topped with gooey cheddar cheese and a buttery cracker crust that bakes to golden perfection in just 30 minutes. Classic ingredients like carrots, celery, and peas are elevated by a touch of dried thyme, while a silky combination of chicken broth and cream adds depth to every bite. Easy to prepare and freezer-friendly, this recipe is a timeless way to bring warmth and flavor to your table. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or meal prepping comfort food for the week, this chicken casserole delivers satisfaction in every mouthful!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 2 medium, sliced carrots
- 2 medium, diced celery stalks
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the chicken breasts in a large pot of boiling water for about 15 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well, cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Stir in the heavy cream, shredded chicken, frozen peas, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine and warm through.
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the cooked rice evenly on the bottom.
Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture over the rice, spreading it into an even layer.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
In a small bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter (optional) and sprinkle the mixture over the cheese layer.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Old Fashioned Chicken Casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4069 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 180.8 g | 232% | |
| Saturated Fat | 94.1 g | 470% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 937 mg | 312% | |
| Sodium | 7227 mg | 314% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 307.1 g | 112% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.6 g | 95% | |
| Total Sugars | 33.9 g | ||
| Protein | 287.5 g | 575% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1319 mg | 101% | |
| Iron | 19.7 mg | 109% | |
| Potassium | 2927 mg | 62% | |
*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.
