If you’re craving a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Chicken Casserole with Cheddar and Buttery Crust Recipe is exactly what you need. This casserole blends tender, shredded chicken with vibrant mixed vegetables and a luscious, creamy cheddar sauce that’s crowned with a golden, buttery crust. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of savory richness and satisfying textures, making it the ideal dish for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become one of your all-time favorites, too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this casserole are delightfully simple but totally essential, each bringing its own special flavor, texture, or color to the dish. From the creamy base to the crispy, buttery topping, these elements work together in perfect harmony.
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken: The hearty protein base that keeps this casserole filling and satisfying.
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn): Adds a pop of color and natural sweetness, plus a nutritional boost.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Creates the creamy, comforting sauce without any fuss.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings tangy richness and makes the sauce extra smooth.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and essential for that irresistible cheesy flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Gives a subtle sweetness and aromatic touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The simple seasonings that bring everything together perfectly.
- 2 cups bread cubes or crushed crackers: The secret to a crunchy, buttery topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Coats the bread cubes or crackers to create that golden, irresistible crust.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Casserole with Cheddar and Buttery Crust Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Dish Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sets the stage perfectly for baking the casserole evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well blended and creamy, ensuring every bite will be packed with flavor and texture.
Step 3: Pour into Baking Dish
Transfer the creamy mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to make sure it bakes uniformly and gets that perfect golden top.
Step 4: Prepare the Buttery Crust
In another bowl, toss bread cubes or crushed crackers with the melted butter until each piece is coated. This step is crucial because it gives the crust its signature richness and crunch.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery bread or cracker mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the crust is gloriously golden brown. The bubbling edges tell you this dish is ready to bring to the table.
Step 6: Let it Rest
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking. This cool down time helps everything set up slightly for cleaner serving and keeps that glorious cheesy sauce from running everywhere.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Casserole with Cheddar and Buttery Crust Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh, vibrant touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over each serving. The green pop brightens the dish visually and adds a mild herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal star on its own, but you can elevate your dinner by serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans to add extra freshness and crunch. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple cucumber salad also complement the creamy richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ovenproof ramekins. This not only makes for a stunning presentation but also ensures everyone gets their own perfect portion of creamy chicken goodness topped with that buttery crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover casserole completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, covering tightly, and freezing for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly again, which helps maintain that crisp buttery topping. Alternatively, microwave single servings but note the crust may soften.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can be used; just lightly steam or sauté them first to ensure they cook through properly in the casserole. This keeps the veggies tender and flavorful without becoming soggy.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes! You can swap the chicken for plant-based proteins like cubed tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable cream soup instead of cream of chicken for a delicious vegetarian adaptation.
What kind of bread or crackers work best for the crust?
Sturdy bread cubes like French or sourdough work beautifully for a crust that stays crunchy, but crushed buttery crackers or even crushed seasoned tortilla chips can add a unique twist with extra flavor.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free bread or crackers for the topping and ensure your cream soup is gluten-free (or make a homemade roux-based sauce). This way you get all the creamy, cheesy goodness without gluten concerns.
How can I make the casserole extra cheesy?
Feel free to increase the cheddar cheese amount or mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for added gooeyness and flavor complexity. Just add some cheese inside the filling and sprinkle a bit more on top before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Casserole with Cheddar and Buttery Crust Recipe is such a joy to make and share because it delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. From the creamy cheesy filling to the crunchy buttery crust, every bite feels like home. I promise, once you try it, it will become one of your go-to recipes for cozy meals that everyone will love. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy every delicious moment!
Print
Creamy Chicken Casserole with Cheddar and Buttery Crust Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Casserole is an easy, creamy, and cheesy baked dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and a flavorful creamy sauce topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust, baked until bubbly and golden. Ready in under an hour, it serves six and is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 2 cups bread cubes or crushed crackers
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, toss the bread cubes or crushed crackers with the melted unsalted butter until they are fully coated and ready to create a crispy topping.
- Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle the buttery bread cube or cracker mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow it to set before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the mixed vegetables with fresh vegetables if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Use gluten-free soup and crackers to make this casserole gluten-free.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
