Little Hen, also known as Chicken Little Casserole, is a comforting and creamy dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This casserole combines tender shredded chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and a flavorful sauce, all topped with sharp cheddar cheese. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 6 cups mashed potatoes, homemade or store-bought
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1-2 (10.5 oz) cans condensed cream of chicken soup (depending on how creamy you want the dish)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cook the Chicken:
- Cook the chicken breasts using your preferred method (boiling, baking, or grilling). Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similarly sized casserole dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Mix Soup and Milk:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1-2 cans of condensed cream of chicken soup and 1 cup of whole milk. Mix until well combined.
- Add Seasonings:
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried rosemary, dried thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer Chicken and Sauce:
- Spread the shredded chicken evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Mashed Potatoes:
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the chicken and sauce layer. Spread the potatoes out evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mashed potatoes.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting and creamy dish with your family and friends.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a richer flavor, use mashed potatoes made with butter and cream.
- Cheese: Use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
Variations
Vegetable Chicken Casserole
- Add Vegetables:
- Stir in 1-2 cups of cooked vegetables such as peas, carrots, or green beans to the chicken layer for added nutrition and flavor.
Spicy Chicken Casserole
- Add Spice:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup mixture for a spicy kick.
Herb Chicken Casserole
- Add Fresh Herbs:
- Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or basil to the mashed potatoes for added freshness and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes
- Green Salad:
- Serve the casserole with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Bread:
- Pair with crusty bread or dinner rolls for a complete meal.
Beverages
- White Wine:
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Iced Tea:
- Serve with a refreshing glass of iced tea for a non-alcoholic option.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as mozzarella, gouda, or a cheese blend.
Q: Can I use low-fat ingredients? A: Yes, you can use low-fat cream of chicken soup, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheese to make this dish lighter.
Little Hen, or Chicken Little Casserole, is a comforting and creamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and flavorful sauce, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this dish is easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this comforting meal with your family and friends!
