Easy Chicken Casserole
This is my go-to recipe for an easy chicken casserole that is perfect for a quick and cozy dinner. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite with its warm, cheesy, and comforting flavors. It’s also simple to prepare, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
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Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 501kcal
Equipment
- Baking Dish 9x13
- Large Skillet
- Stock Pot
- spatula
Ingredients
- 4 cups short pasta penne, rotini, elbows or bowties
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup onion freeze dried or fresh
- ¼ cup green bell pepper freeze dried or fresh
- 3 cloves garlic minced, freeze dried or fresh
- 4 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 quart diced tomatoes undrained
- 2 cans mild green chiles
- 4 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 1 Tablespoon paprika or to taste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Lightly oil or butter a large casserole dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
- While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally. If using freeze dried vegetables, add ¼ cup of water to the pan.
- Add garlic, paprika, and oregano. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with juice and mild chile peppers until combined.
- Add cheese and stir until melted, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and combine with cooked pasta and chicken in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Variations of Easy Chicken Casserole
While this easy chicken casserole recipe is delicious as is, you can also experiment with different variations to cater to your taste preferences. Customizing the flavor of your chicken casserole is a fun way to put your own spin on this classic dish. Here are a few ideas to get you started:- Add Mushrooms – If you’re a fan of mushrooms, try adding them to your chicken casserole for an earthy and savory twist. Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter and garlic before adding them to the casserole mixture. The mushrooms will add depth of flavor and a satisfying texture to the dish.
- Incorporate Bacon – For an indulgent and smoky flavor, consider incorporating home-cured bacon into your chicken casserole. Cook bacon until golden brown and crispy, then crumble it over the casserole before baking. The combination of chicken, cheese, and bacon is a heavenly trio.
- Try Different Types of Cheese – While the classic chicken casserole typically calls for cheddar cheese, you can experiment with different types of cheese to add a new dimension of flavor. Try using Swiss cheese for a nutty and slightly sweet taste or homemade chevre cheese for a mild and creamy option. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different cheeses to create your own unique flavors.
- Opt for Whole Grain Pasta – Instead of using traditional noodles, choose whole-grain varieties. Whole grains are higher in fiber and provide more nutrients compared to their refined counterparts. They also have a lower glycemic index, which means they won’t cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. (Source)
- Increase the Amount of Vegetables – Boost the nutritional content of your chicken casserole by adding more vegetables. Vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and they add flavor and texture to the dish. Consider including colorful veggies like broccoli, zucchini, carrots, or spinach.
Nutrition
Calories: 501kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 476mg | Potassium: 498mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1121IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 385mg | Iron: 3mg
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