Company Chicken Casserole

Company Chicken Casserole: A Delicious and Crowd-Pleasing Dish

When it comes to feeding a large group of people or hosting a dinner party, finding the perfect recipe that is both delicious and easy to make can be a challenge. Look no further than Company Chicken Casserole. This comforting and flavorful dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why Company Chicken Casserole is a must-try recipe. Firstly, it is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Secondly, the combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy topping creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Lastly, this casserole is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether they have dietary restrictions or not.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Company Chicken Casserole:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup crushed buttery crackers
1/4 cup melted butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional ingredient substitutions:

Instead of chicken breasts, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
For a healthier version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
If you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to substitute it with your favorite variety.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in a greased casserole dish.
Pour the soup mixture over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers and melted butter together. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the cracker topping.
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden and crispy.
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Expert Tips for Success:

For extra flavor, you can add diced onions, garlic, or herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the soup mixture.
If you prefer a crunchier topping, you can mix in some crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs with the cracker mixture.
To prevent the top of the casserole from becoming too brown, you can loosely tent the foil over the dish during the last few minutes of baking.

Variations and Substitutions

While Company Chicken Casserole is delicious as is, you can also customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

If you’re a fan of spicy food, you can add some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the soup mixture.
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or a medley of roasted vegetables.
If you’re watching your carb intake, you can replace the crushed crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.

Serving Suggestions

Company Chicken Casserole is a satisfying and complete meal on its own. However, you can enhance the dining experience by serving it with some complementary side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, add a pop of color and freshness to the meal.
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the casserole.
For a heartier meal, you can serve the casserole over a bed of cooked rice or buttered noodles.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole up until the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, simply follow the instructions as usual.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A: Absolutely! Company Chicken Casserole freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it in a preheated oven until heated through.

Q: Can I double the recipe?

A: Yes, you can easily double or even triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure to use a larger casserole dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Company Chicken Casserole is a tried and true recipe that never fails to impress. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crispy topping, it’s a dish that will please even the pickiest eaters. So why not give it a try and see for yourself? Your guests will be thanking you, and you’ll have a new go-to recipe for any gathering or potluck.

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Servings

⏱️

Prep time

minutes

🔥

Cooking time

minutes

📊

Calories

490

kcal

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in a greased casserole dish.
Pour the soup mixture over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers and melted butter together. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the cracker topping.
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden and crispy.
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.