If you’re looking for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this Savory Baked Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy mushroom goodness, and ooey-gooey cheddar cheese all baked together to golden perfection. Simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve when friends come over, every bite bursts with flavor and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, this casserole is a classic that combines ease and deliciousness in the best way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Savory Baked Chicken Casserole Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an important role in making the dish unforgettable. From the juicy chicken to the cheesy, creamy base and crunchy breadcrumb topping, these components come together for a perfectly balanced bite every time.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and tender bites.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and adding richness without overpowering flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the ingredients and balances the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings savory warmth that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness and aromatic lift.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup: The velvety base that ties everything together.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the casserole moist and adds a subtle broth flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream: Gives richness and slight tang to balance creamy elements.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy herbaceous notes that brighten the dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of smoky sweetness.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for cheesy, gooey goodness.
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed: Pops of fresh green sweetness and contrasting color.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms: Adds earthiness and texture.
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice: Helps soak up the flavors and provides hearty substance.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Sprinkled on top for that irresistible crispy crust.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Mixed with breadcrumbs to create a golden, flavorful topping.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For bright, fresh garnish that pulls the dish together.
How to Make Savory Baked Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Sauté
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chicken cubes and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the chicken turns opaque and is no longer pink inside, about 5–7 minutes. This step seals in the juices and flavors your protein perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir in dried thyme and paprika to add aromatic, warm notes that will elevate your casserole into a flavor-packed meal. This creamy sauce will hold everything together beautifully.
Step 3: Combine All the Layers
Add the cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, thawed peas, sliced mushrooms, and cooked rice into your creamy mixture. Stir everything until fully incorporated so that every bite promises a satisfying combination of meat, veggies, cheese, and starch.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and pour the mixture in, spreading it evenly. This even layer ensures consistent baking and the perfect texture all the way through your casserole.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter until the crumbs are well coated, then sprinkle this over the casserole top. This will turn into a crispy, golden crust that contrasts deliciously with the creamy inside.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown. This finishing step melds all the flavors and gives you that comforting aroma that fills your kitchen with anticipation.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, let your casserole sit for a few minutes to set up. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and a subtle herbal note that brightens the whole dish.
How to Serve Savory Baked Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish for this Savory Baked Chicken Casserole Recipe. It adds a lively green contrast and a touch of freshness that perfectly balances the richness. If you want to get creative, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or even a dash of smoked paprika can amp up the visual and flavor appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to add refreshing, light elements to your meal. Roasted carrots or a simple cucumber salad are great options that won’t compete but will complement the creamy, hearty casserole beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins and top each with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for personal crispy crowns. Or layer with additional cheese on the bottom of the baking dish for a surprise cheesy layer that will wow your family or guests. No matter how you present it, this casserole’s cozy appeal shines through.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the casserole cool completely before transferring leftovers into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the casserole will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, this Savory Baked Chicken Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole but hold off on baking, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from the freezer—just add extra baking time until heated through.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm individual servings in the microwave or cover the whole casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly. Adding a little sprinkle of fresh parsley or cheese after reheating brightens the flavors and lifts the dish wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and richness, which can make the casserole even more flavorful. Just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
Is there a dairy-free version of this casserole?
You can swap sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt and use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup. Also, select a vegan cheese substitute or omit the cheese altogether for a lighter dish.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli would all work wonderfully. Just chop them finely or pre-cook them slightly if they take longer to soften than peas or mushrooms.
What if I don’t have cooked rice on hand?
You can use instant rice, cooked quinoa, or even small pasta like orzo. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing into the casserole, as it won’t cook much during baking.
How can I make the breadcrumb topping extra crispy?
Mixing the breadcrumbs with melted butter is key, but adding a little grated parmesan or panko breadcrumbs can amp up the crunch factor even more, giving your casserole a fantastic texture contrast.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Baked Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of those all-time favorites that brings warmth and happiness with every spoonful. Its perfect harmony of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures makes it a go-to comfort meal you’ll want to keep in your rotation. Give it a try soon—you might just find a new family favorite that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Print
Savory Baked Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Savory Baked Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken breast cubes cooked with creamy mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, and a medley of peas and mushrooms, all layered with cooked rice and topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a family dinner, it brings together creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Casserole Mixture
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the chicken cubes, season them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink inside, approximately 5 to 7 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Mix Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir in dried thyme and paprika until fully blended.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, thawed peas, sliced mushrooms, and cooked rice to the sauce mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and transfer the chicken mixture into it. Spread the mixture out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh touch.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly cooked rice rather than refrigerated leftovers to ensure optimal texture in the casserole.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slight tang and added protein.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Feel free to swap out peas and mushrooms with other vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for variety.
