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 thatβs 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.
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
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.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onion and sautΓ© for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
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.
Add the cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, and cooked rice to the creamy sauce. Mix everything together and remove from heat.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
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.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting and delicious chicken casserole!
Calories |
4946 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 246.3 g | 316% | |
| Saturated Fat | 129.1 g | 646% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1177 mg | 392% | |
| Sodium | 6826 mg | 297% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 314.1 g | 114% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.1 g | 86% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.4 g | ||
| Protein | 334.1 g | 668% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 2383 mg | 183% | |
| Iron | 25.2 mg | 140% | |
| Potassium | 3746 mg | 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.