Top 10 Comforting Chicken Casserole Recipes of 2025
Imagine the warm smell of a home-cooked meal filling your kitchen. You want a simple, delicious dinner for your family without the fuss. Many people turn to comfort food for happiness, and these easy recipes deliver just that. This curated list of chicken casserole recipes gives you perfect weeknight solutions. You can even use shortcuts like rotisserie chicken for a quick chicken casserole. For an even easier cleanup after dinner, serve these casserole recipes on disposable plastic plates. Your family will love these meals!
Key Takeaways
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Chicken casseroles offer easy and delicious dinner solutions for busy weeknights.
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You can customize many casserole recipes with different cheeses, soups, or vegetables.
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Using shortcuts like rotisserie chicken saves time in preparing these meals.
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Most chicken casseroles freeze well, making meal prep simple for future dinners.
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Reheat casseroles in the oven for the best taste and texture.
1. Classic Chicken and Rice: An Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe
This timeless chicken and rice casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It brings together tender chicken and fluffy rice in a rich, creamy sauce. You will love how the simple layers combine to create a dish that is both satisfying and incredibly easy to make. It’s one of those classic recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Recipe Highlights
What makes this chicken casserole a weeknight winner? It’s all about simplicity and flavor. The creamy sauce coats every piece of chicken and rice, creating a wonderfully smooth texture. You can easily make this dish your own with a few simple swaps!
Make It Your Own! 🧑🍳 You can easily customize this recipe to your family's tastes. Try these fun variations:
Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Swiss.
Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or celery.
Add frozen veggies like peas and carrots for extra nutrition.
Stir in seasonings like garlic powder or Italian seasoning for more flavor.
Ingredients
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3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
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1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
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1 cup milk
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, you will mix the cream of chicken soup, milk, and chicken broth until smooth.
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Stir in the uncooked rice, shredded chicken, half of the cheese, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
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Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
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Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Here is a quick look at the nutritional information per serving.
|
Nutrient |
Value |
|---|---|
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Calories |
397 |
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Fats |
11g |
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Protein |
27g |
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Carbohydrates |
37g |
|
Sodium |
700mg |
2. Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
If you love the comforting taste of chicken noodle soup, you will adore this casserole version. This dish transforms the classic soup into a hearty, baked meal that your whole family will request again and again. It’s one of those perfect comfort food recipes for a chilly evening. This creamy chicken noodle casserole delivers all the flavor you love with the satisfying texture of a baked pasta dish.
Recipe Highlights
What makes this chicken casserole so special is its wonderful combination of textures. You get a rich, creamy sauce that coats every single piece of tender egg noodle and savory chicken. The secret is using cream of chicken soup, which creates an instant, velvety base. For a finishing touch, a crunchy topping provides the perfect contrast to the soft noodles below.
Pro Tip: Topping Twists! 🧑🍳 While breadcrumbs are classic, you can easily switch up the topping for a new flavor experience. Try one of these for an extra crunchy layer:
Crushed French fried onions
Crumbled Ritz crackers
Crushed corn flakes cereal
Ingredients
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8 ounces wide egg noodles, uncooked
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3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
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1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
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1 cup milk
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1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
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Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, but cook for 2 minutes less than the recommended time. Drain well.
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In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Gently stir in the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, thawed peas and carrots, and half of the shredded cheese.
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Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
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Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, followed by the buttered breadcrumbs.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Here is a quick look at the nutritional information per serving.
|
Serving Size |
Calories |
|---|---|
|
1 serving (approx. 250g) |
350 |
3. Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake
This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake is a one-dish wonder that brings together tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce. If you need a guaranteed family-pleaser, this is one of the best recipes to try. You get your protein and veggies all in one comforting, bubbly bake. The layers of flavor create a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Recipe Highlights
The magic of this chicken casserole lies in its incredibly creamy texture. Using a base of condensed cheddar soup creates a velvety sauce that coats every bite. This sauce keeps the chicken moist and the broccoli tender. A generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese melts on top, giving you that irresistible, golden-brown crust everyone loves.
Pro Tip: Make It Your Own! 🧑🍳 You can easily customize this dish to fit your family's tastes or dietary needs.
Cheese Please: While cheddar is classic, try adding some queso Blanco for a different flavor, or swap in mozzarella or smoked gouda.
Low-Carb Swap: To make this keto-friendly, simply add 3 cups of sautéed riced cauliflower to the mix for a "rice" texture without the carbs.
Ingredients
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3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
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4 cups fresh broccoli florets
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1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup
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1/2 cup milk
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
This dish comes together in about 50 minutes, with only 10-15 minutes of active prep time.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, cheddar cheese soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
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Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well-coated.
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Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
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Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
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Bake for 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.
4. Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Get ready for the richest, most decadent chicken casserole you have ever tasted. This dish earns its "million dollar" name because it feels incredibly indulgent. The name itself is a fun throwback to the 1950s, when recipes with lots of creamy, rich ingredients were given lavish titles to show how special they were. This recipe was inspired by a famous "million dollar dip," and it truly lives up to the hype.
Recipe Highlights
The magic of this dish is its unbelievably creamy texture and satisfying layers. You get a thick, savory sauce that clings to every piece of tender chicken. This amazing base comes from a powerful trio of ingredients:
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Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, velvety foundation.
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Cottage Cheese: Adds a subtle texture and a boost of protein.
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Sour Cream: Gives the sauce a pleasant, tangy finish.
These elements are blended with cream of chicken soup to form the ultimate comfort food filling. A generous topping of buttery, crushed Ritz crackers provides the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy interior, making every bite an experience.
Ingredients
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4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
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1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
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8 ounces cream cheese, softened
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1 cup cottage cheese
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup chopped green onions
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
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4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup until smooth.
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Stir in the shredded chicken, green onions, and garlic powder.
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Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
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In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️ This rich dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides. You can try serving it with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the meal.
5. Rotisserie Chicken and Biscuit Casserole
Imagine the comforting taste of chicken and dumplings, but even easier to make. This Rotisserie Chicken and Biscuit Casserole gives you a creamy, savory filling topped with golden, fluffy biscuits. You get two amazing textures in one dish: a rich, saucy base and a soft, bread-like topping. It’s a complete meal in one pan that feels like a warm hug. This is one of those go-to recipes for a busy weeknight.
Recipe Highlights
The best part of this chicken casserole is how simple it is. You use rotisserie chicken and canned biscuits to save a ton of time. The creamy filling comes together in minutes, creating a wonderful base layer for the tender biscuits. The biscuits bake up perfectly on top, soaking up some of the delicious sauce while staying fluffy.
Easy Customizations! 🧑🍳 You can easily change this recipe to use what you have on hand.
Vary Your Veggies: Feel free to use canned vegetables (just drain them well) or leftover veggies from another meal. Frozen broccoli also works great instead of mixed vegetables.
Spice It Up: Add flavor with garlic powder and onion powder. Just be careful with extra salt, as the soup and biscuits can already be salty.
Ingredients
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3 cups cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken
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1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
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1 cup milk
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1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and corn), thawed
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 can (16.3 ounces) refrigerated biscuits (8 count)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, you will mix the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, thawed vegetables, and black pepper. Stir until everything is combined well.
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Pour this chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
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Arrange the 8 uncooked biscuits on top of the chicken mixture in a single layer.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes. The casserole is done when the filling is hot and bubbly and the biscuits are golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before you serve it.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
A delicious chicken casserole is the gift that keeps on giving. You can save so much time by making your casserole ahead or storing leftovers for a quick dinner later. With these simple tips, your future meals will be just as tasty as the first time.
Make-Ahead Freezing Guide
Most of these chicken casseroles freeze beautifully for up to four months, giving you an easy meal solution on a busy night. To freeze an unbaked casserole and prevent freezer burn, you can follow these simple steps:
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Line your baking dish with heavy-duty aluminum foil, leaving extra foil hanging over the sides.
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Assemble your casserole directly in the foil-lined dish.
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Cool the casserole completely in the refrigerator.
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Fold the extra foil over the top to cover it, then freeze the entire dish until solid.
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Once frozen, lift the foil-wrapped casserole out of the dish. Wrap it again in plastic wrap or more foil, label it, and store it in the freezer. Your baking dish is now free to use!
Cool It Down! 🧊 Always cool your casserole completely before freezing. This prevents condensation, which can form ice crystals and make your dish soggy when you reheat it.
Storing Leftovers with Jolly Chef
For leftover portions or planned family meals, you need reliable containers to keep your food fresh. We recommend the Jolly Chef Plastic Round Meal Prep Containers. These containers are BPA-free, freezer-safe, and have 100% leak-proof lids. They are perfect for portioning out your casserole for grab-and-go lunches or an easy weeknight dinner without worrying about spills or freezer burn. To make cleanup even easier for your family, serve the casserole on Jolly Chef's durable disposable plates.
Reheating for Best Results
The best way to reheat a casserole is in the oven. For the best texture, avoid putting a frozen casserole directly into a hot oven, as this can leave the center cold. You should thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first.
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Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
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Air Fryer Method: For a single serving, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 3-5 minutes until warm and crispy.
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Skillet Method: Place a portion in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water if it looks dry, cover, and heat for 7-10 minutes.
More Comforting Casserole Recipes
Ready for more one-pan wonders? These next five chicken casserole recipes offer exciting new flavors for your dinner table. You will find creative twists on classic comfort foods that are sure to become new family favorites.
6. Zesty Mexican Chicken Bake
You can bring a fiesta to your kitchen with this vibrant bake. It has layers of flavor that remind you of an easy chicken enchilada casserole or a chicken taco casserole. The base combines tender chicken with zesty Rotel, black beans, and taco seasoning. A cheesy top layer melts over everything, and you finish it with a crunchy topping of crushed tortilla chips. For a different twist, you could try a salsa verde chicken bake.
7. Hearty Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
This recipe gives you all the creamy goodness of a chicken pot pie without the work of making a crust. You get a rich, savory filling loaded with chicken and veggies. Instead of a traditional pie crust, you can top it with a crunchy layer of Panko and Parmesan cheese for a fantastic texture. This dish is a close cousin to other comforting bakes like a classic chicken stuffing casserole.
8. Buffalo Chicken and Potato Bake
If you love spicy buffalo wings, you will adore this casserole. It features a creamy, tangy buffalo chicken mixture layered over a hearty base of potatoes. You have options for the potato layer:
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Refrigerated shredded hash browns for quick prep
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Diced potatoes for a chunkier texture
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Sweet potatoes for a sweet and spicy flavor combination
9. Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole
You can get the amazing flavor of chicken parmesan in a simple, layered bake. This dish is much easier than the traditional version and has a texture similar to a chicken lasagna.
You don’t have to bread the chicken either. Chunks of chicken bake in with the pasta and then the casserole is covered in a savory parmesan streusel that creates the same cheesy crisp coating everyone loves about chicken parmesan.
10. BBQ Chicken and Cornbread Casserole
This dish is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. A tangy BBQ chicken filling forms the bottom layer. You then pour a sweet cornbread batter right on top. As it bakes, the cornbread becomes golden and fluffy, creating a delicious crust. It’s one of those unique casserole recipes, much like a king ranch chicken casserole or a chicken tetrazzini casserole, that everyone remembers. These recipes prove a great chicken casserole is always a winning dinner.
Making a delicious chicken casserole brings so much joy to the dinner table. These chicken casserole recipes show you how simple a comforting meal can be. You can create a wonderful dinner for your family any night of the week.
Did you know? While about 29% of families eat together every night, many others enjoy a shared meal a few times a week. Even one great dinner together is a perfect start!
With these easy casserole recipes and storage tips, a home-cooked meal is always within reach. Pick one of these recipes and give it a try. Which of the chicken casserole recipes are you most excited to make for your family? Let us know in the comments below! 🧑🍳
FAQ
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use raw chicken. You will need to cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. Just make sure to increase the baking time by about 15-20 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks all the way through and is perfectly tender in your casserole.
How do I keep my casserole from getting dry?
The secret to a moist casserole is having enough sauce! Make sure your ingredients are well-coated. You can also add a splash of milk or chicken broth if the mixture looks too thick before baking. Covering it with foil for part of the baking time helps too.
Can I prepare these casseroles ahead of time? 🧑🍳
Absolutely! You can assemble most of these casseroles up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover the dish tightly and store it in the refrigerator. You may need to add about 10 minutes to the baking time when you cook it straight from the fridge.
What's the best way to add more vegetables?
You can easily add more veggies! Hearty vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can be mixed in with the chicken. For delicate vegetables like spinach, stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking so they don't get mushy. It’s a great way to boost nutrition!