COMPANY CHICKEN CASSEROLE
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Prepare the chicken.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the vegetables.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble the casserole:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, frozen peas, frozen corn kernels, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the vegetable mixture in the baking dish.
- Prepare the topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers and melted butter. Mix until the crackers are coated evenly with butter.
- Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture over the top of the chicken and vegetable mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake the casserole:
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this casserole.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping to make this recipe gluten-free.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, until ready to bake. Simply remove it from the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, leftover portions of the casserole can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
Q: Can I make this recipe keto-friendly or low-carb? A: Yes, you can make keto-friendly or low-carb versions of this casserole by omitting the peas, corn, and crackers. Instead, use low-carb vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower, and top with a mixture of almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Omit the peas, corn, and crackers.
- Use low-carb vegetables, such as broccoli or cauliflower.
- Top with a mixture of almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese for a crunchy topping.
Low-Carb Version:
- Follow the keto version instructions, adjusting the ingredients to fit your specific low-carb dietary needs.
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete low-carb meal.
In conclusion, Company Chicken Casserole is a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, creamy sauce, and crunchy topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining guests, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible flavors of this classic comfort food!
