This hearty casserole is a simple and delicious way to use up leftover chicken.

Hearty Leftover Chicken Casserole: A Simple, Delicious, and Comforting Meal

There’s nothing quite like a hearty chicken casserole to transform leftover chicken into a warm, satisfying meal. This dish is the perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, vegetables, and a golden topping — a one-pan wonder that’s ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners. Not only does it make excellent use of leftover chicken, but it also offers a comforting, homey flavor that everyone will love.

This article provides a step-by-step guide to making a delicious leftover chicken casserole, from prepping ingredients to baking it to perfection.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (leftovers work perfectly)
• 2 cups cooked rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes (your choice for the base)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen peas, carrots, and corn work well)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and milk.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning, if using.
3. Add the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture.
4. Mix everything until well combined — this creamy base will coat the chicken and vegetables beautifully.

Please Head On keep  on Reading  (>)