Looking for a quick and easy dinner that’s packed with flavor and texture? This Crunchy Chicken Casserole is the perfect solution! It’s loaded with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and topped with a crispy, crunchy topping that adds the perfect finishing touch. Ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or potlucks, this casserole is a guaranteed hit that both kids and adults will love. The best part? It’s highly customizable, so you can adjust the ingredients to fit your taste or whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any melty cheese of your choice)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) mixed vegetables (drained) or 1 ½ cups frozen vegetables
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 1 ½ cups crushed cornflakes, Ritz crackers, or crispy fried onions
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed and evenly coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula to ensure it’s an even layer.
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes (or your choice of crunchy topping) with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated with butter. This will create a golden, crunchy topping for the casserole.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the buttery crunchy topping evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
Step 6: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden and crispy.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if you like.
Cooking Notes
- Cooked Chicken: Use any cooked chicken you have on hand—rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breasts, or leftover chicken. This recipe is great for using up leftovers.
- Topping Variations: Instead of cornflakes, try Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or crispy fried onions for a different kind of crunch.
- Cheese: For added flavor, you can mix in different cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a little bit of Parmesan.
Variations
1. Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole
Add 1 ½ cups cooked broccoli florets to the casserole and use sharp cheddar cheese for a delicious broccoli cheddar twist.
2. Mexican Chicken Casserole
Replace the mixed vegetables with black beans and corn. Add 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning to the chicken mixture and top with pepper jack cheese and crushed tortilla chips for a Mexican-inspired casserole.
3. Low-Carb Crunchy Chicken Casserole
For a low-carb version, omit the cornflakes and vegetables. Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles as a base and top with crushed pork rinds for the crunch.
4. Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Mix ½ cup buffalo sauce into the chicken mixture and top with blue cheese crumbles and panko breadcrumbs for a spicy twist on this comforting classic.
Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments
To make a keto-friendly version of this casserole, follow these simple substitutions:
- Replace the cornflakes or crackers with crushed pork rinds for a crunchy, low-carb topping.
- Use a homemade or low-carb cream of chicken soup made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and seasoning instead of the canned version.
- Instead of regular mixed vegetables, opt for low-carb veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach.
These changes will significantly lower the carb content while still delivering all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the casserole (without the crunchy topping), cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the crunchy topping and bake as directed.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole, but don’t add the topping. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, add the topping, and bake as instructed.
Q: Can I use a different soup?
Absolutely! If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even cream of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornflakes for the topping. You can also opt for crushed gluten-free crackers.
This Crunchy Chicken Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. The combination of creamy chicken and vegetables with a crispy, golden topping makes for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With endless variations and the ability to make it ahead, this casserole is a versatile recipe you’ll want to keep in your meal rotation. Try it today, and enjoy a hearty, crunchy bite in every spoonful!
