Creamy Chicken Casserole

Creamy Chicken Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a crispy cornflake topping, creating a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this casserole is a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Chicken and Broth:
  • 2 large or 3 medium chicken breasts
  • 2.5 cups chicken broth
• Rice Mixture:
  • 1 cup white rice
  • 1.5 cups chopped celery
• Casserole Base:
  • 2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup Hellmann’s Mayonnaise
• Topping:
  • 2 cups cornflakes
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Boil Chicken: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a large pot, bring 2.5 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add the chicken breasts and cook until done, about 15-20 minutes. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool slightly. Reserve 2 cups of the broth for the rice mixture. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands.

Step 2: Cook the Rice and Celery

1. Combine Ingredients: In the same pot used for cooking the chicken, add the white rice, chopped celery, and the reserved 2 cups of chicken broth.
2. Cook Rice: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Ingredients

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice and celery mixture, condensed cream of chicken soup, and Hellmann’s Mayonnaise. Stir until well mixed.
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

1. Crush Cornflakes: In a medium bowl, crush the cornflakes into smaller pieces. Pour the melted butter over the cornflakes and mix until the cornflakes are evenly coated.
2. Add Topping: Sprinkle the cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

1. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
2. Cool and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This cooling period allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.

Cooking Notes

• Seasoning: For added flavor, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before cooking.
• Crunchier Topping: If you prefer a crunchier topping, bake the cornflakes separately for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole without the cornflake topping, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the cornflake topping and bake as directed.

Variations

Low-Carb/Keto Version:

• Substitute the white rice with cauliflower rice and use a low-carb mayonnaise.

Gluten-Free Version:

• Ensure that the condensed cream of chicken soup and cornflakes are gluten-free.

Vegan Version:

• Replace the chicken with a plant-based protein, use vegan mayonnaise, and substitute the cream of chicken soup with a vegan cream soup.

Tips for Perfect Casserole

• Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken as a time-saver. Simply shred and mix it into the rice mixture.
• Mayonnaise: Hellmann’s Mayonnaise is recommended for its rich, creamy texture, but you can use any brand you prefer.
• Celery: Ensure the celery is finely chopped to blend seamlessly into the casserole.
• Broth: Using homemade chicken broth can enhance the flavor of the casserole. If using store-bought, choose a low-sodium option to control the saltiness of the dish.

Creamy Chicken Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a crunchy cornflake topping. Its simplicity makes it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners, while its comforting taste ensures it will be a hit with family and friends. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Enjoy this creamy, delicious casserole, and share it with your loved ones for a memorable meal.

Enjoy your creamy chicken casserole, and savor every comforting bite!