Description
Homestyle Chicken & Cheese Stuffed Casserole Dinner is comfort food at its best. Creamy, cheesy, and so satisfying for family nights. Easy to make!
Ingredients
Scale
- The Heart of the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- Creamy Goodness & Flavor:
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk, please!)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For That Golden Top:
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
- Optional Extras:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick
Instructions
- Get Prepped and Preheat: First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, grab your trusty 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a light spray with cooking oil. This step is so simple, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgotten it and spent ages scrubbing later. Don’t be like me, hon! This little bit of prep makes all the difference for your Chicken and Cheese Stuffed Casserole Dinner.
- Whip Up the Creamy Filling: In a big mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and beautifully creamy. This is where the magic starts to happen! I sometimes add a touch more garlic powder than the recipe calls for because, well, I just love garlic, you know? Taste it; adjust if you need to!
- Fold in the Good Stuff: Now, gently fold in your shredded cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and the frozen mixed vegetables into that creamy mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and coated in that luscious sauce. I always take a moment here to admire all the colors; it just looks so vibrant and promising! Be careful not to overmix, we don’t want to mush our veggies.
- Assemble Your Homestyle Chicken & Cheese Stuffed Casserole Dinner: Pour half of your chicken and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, if you’re feeling fancy (or just want more cheesy goodness), sprinkle a little extra cheddar and Monterey Jack over this layer. Follow with the remaining chicken mixture, spreading it out to cover the cheese. This layering technique helps ensure every bite of your Chicken and Cheese Stuffed Casserole Dinner is packed with flavor.
- Prepare the Cracker Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine your crushed butter crackers with the melted butter. Give it a good stir until the crumbs are evenly coated. This is the secret to that irresistible golden, crunchy crust! I’ve been known to sneak a little taste of these buttery crumbs, they’re just that good. Spread this glorious topping evenly over the top of your casserole.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Pop your Chicken and Cheese Stuffed Casserole Dinner into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping is beautifully golden brown. Oh, the smells that will fill your kitchen! It’s absolutely divine. Once it’s done, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. That little rest helps everything set up perfectly.