Description
Chicken Casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table with hearty layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and golden-baked goodness. Perfect for family gatherings, this classic dish delivers warmth and satisfaction in each delicious spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins and Vegetables:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Topping:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup crushed pork rinds
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Warm your kitchen by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Grab a large mixing bowl and combine 2 cups shredded chicken, 1 ½ cups broccoli florets, 1 cup cheddar cheese, ½ cup cream cheese, ½ cup sour cream, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Stir the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated, ensuring no dry patches remain.
- Transfer the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface with a spatula.
- In a separate small bowl, blend ½ cup crushed pork rinds, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon melted butter to create a crispy topping.
- Sprinkle the pork rind mixture over the casserole, creating an even layer that will turn golden and crunchy during baking.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for exactly 22 minutes, watching for a bubbling surface and golden-brown edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier.
- Scoop generous portions onto plates, enjoying the rich, creamy texture with a satisfying crunch from the topping.
Notes
- Swap out broccoli for cauliflower or zucchini if you prefer different vegetables or want to change the texture.
- Check the casserole around 18 minutes to prevent overcooking, as every oven performs slightly differently.
- For a dairy-free version, replace cream cheese and sour cream with cashew cream or coconut yogurt alternatives.
- Ensure chicken is thoroughly shredded and mixed well to create a consistent, creamy texture throughout the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 312 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg