A rich and creamy dish like this deserves the right sides. One could serve it with a light green salad topped with a tangy vinaigrette, which not only balances the casserole’s richness but also adds a refreshing crunch.
Another great pairing is roasted vegetables – think Brussels sprouts or roasted carrots with a hint of balsamic glaze. Also, consider garlic bread for a comforting finish, perfect for mopping up every last bit of the sauce.
I’m about to let you in on a family treasure—my Heavenly Chicken Casserole. You know those days when you want something filling and tasty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? This is it. I stumbled upon this recipe years ago, and let me tell ya, it was love at first bite. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. Trust me, after one taste, you’ll know why it gets rave reviews.
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Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
I love using fresh and pantry staples in this recipe. Each component, big or small, plays a role in creating that perfect bite. Here’s a deep dive into the ingredients:
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cans (10 1/2 ounce) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 cups cooked, diced chicken breast
- 1 can (4 ounce) sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1 package (6 ounce) long-grain wild rice.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
How to Make Heavenly Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
First off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab all your ingredients and ensure everything is chopped, diced, and ready to go. Trust me, having everything set up makes the cooking process so much smoother.
Step 2: Cook the Wild Rice
Prepare your long-grain wild rice according to the package instructions. While it’s cooking, you can move on to step 3.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions, chopped bell pepper, and chopped celery. Cook until they’re softened, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This not only gives the casserole a fantastic base flavor but also fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, soy sauce, and dried thyme. Stir until well blended. This soup mixture will give the casserole its creamy, indulgent consistency.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Once your rice is ready, add it to the bowl with the soup mixture. Then, toss in the sautéed vegetables, slivered almonds, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cooked chicken breast, and sliced mushrooms. Gently stir until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray. Transfer the mixed ingredients into the dish, spreading it out evenly. This ensures each bite has a perfect blend of all the ingredients.
Step 7: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. During this time, you can prepare your sides—whether it’s that zesty salad or some garlic bread.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Nutrition Information
Recipe Notes
- Chicken Breast: Use cooked, diced chicken breast for the best texture.
- Mushrooms: The sliced mushrooms give an earthy component that ties everything together.
- Wild Rice: Cooking the rice separately ensures it’s perfectly done.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a nice contrast to the creamy mushroom soup.
- Slivered Almonds: These add a surprising but delightful crunch.
- Bell Peppers and Onion: The vegetables give the dish some freshness and balance.
Recipe Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to make this recipe your own:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with chopped tofu or additional vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower.
- Different Cheeses: Mix it up with mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack if you like a bit of spice!
- Herbs and Spices: Add some garlic powder or paprika for an extra kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free condensed soup and ensure all other ingredients check out.
heavenly chicken casserole recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper green
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 10 1/2 ounce cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 cups cooked diced chicken breast
- 1 4 ounce can sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1 6 ounce package long-grain wild rice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- First off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab all your ingredients and ensure everything is chopped, diced, and ready to go. Trust me, having everything set up makes the cooking process so much smoother.
Step 2: Cook the Wild Rice
- Prepare your long-grain wild rice according to the package instructions. While it’s cooking, you can move on to step 3.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions, chopped bell pepper, and chopped celery. Cook until they’re softened, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This not only gives the casserole a fantastic base flavor but also fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, soy sauce, and dried thyme. Stir until well blended. This soup mixture will give the casserole its creamy, indulgent consistency.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Once your rice is ready, add it to the bowl with the soup mixture. Then, toss in the sautéed vegetables, slivered almonds, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cooked chicken breast, and sliced mushrooms. Gently stir until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray. Transfer the mixed ingredients into the dish, spreading it out evenly. This ensures each bite has a perfect blend of all the ingredients.
Step 7: Bake
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. During this time, you can prepare your sides—whether it’s that zesty salad or some garlic bread.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- Chicken Breast: Use cooked, diced chicken breast for the best texture.
- Mushrooms: The sliced mushrooms give an earthy component that ties everything together.
- Wild Rice: Cooking the rice separately ensures it’s perfectly done.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a nice contrast to the creamy mushroom soup.
- Slivered Almonds: These add a surprising but delightful crunch.
- Bell Peppers and Onion: The vegetables give the dish some freshness and balance.
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe is great for using up cooked chicken you have lying around. Just ensure it’s diced evenly for consistent texture and flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, take it out and let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
How can I make this healthier?
Consider using a low-fat version of the cream of mushroom soup. Also, you can swap out the cheddar cheese for a reduced-fat option and use less butter.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Certainly! Once the casserole has cooled, divide it into portions and place them in freezer-safe containers. It should keep for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake in the oven until warm.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to throw in some diced carrots, peas, or even corn. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks—a Heavenly Chicken Casserole that’s sure to become a staple in your home. Easy to make, rich in flavor, and oh-so-comforting. And remember, don’t be afraid to get creative with this dish. Mix and match ingredients based on what you love or have on hand.
For more recipes, helpful tips, and kitchen hacks, keep following along! Happy cooking!
