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Below is a detailed, unique, and beautifully written article about “This hearty casserole is a simple and delicious way to use up leftover chicken”, complete with a clear step-by-step method.

This Hearty Chicken Casserole: A Simple and Delicious Way to Use Up Leftover Chicken

When leftovers sit in the fridge, their destiny usually feels uncertain—but not when you have this hearty chicken casserole on your side. This recipe transforms yesterday’s chicken into a warm, comforting dish that tastes like it was made entirely from scratch. Rich, creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly golden on top, this casserole is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with eager forks in hand.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, preparing for a cozy night in, or simply hoping to give your leftovers new life, this casserole proves that great food is sometimes born from simplicity.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

Perfect for leftovers — Rotisserie, roasted, or grilled chicken all work beautifully.
Flexible ingredients — You can easily add veggies, swap cheeses, or use any pasta or rice you prefer.
One-dish comfort meal — Creamy, hearty, filling, and unbelievably easy to assemble.
Meal-prep friendly — It refrigerates and reheats very well.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Feel free to adjust amounts based on what you have on hand.

Base

2 to 3 cups leftover cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
2 cups cooked pasta or 1 ½ cups cooked rice (your choice)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth or milk
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)

Veggies & Flavor Boosters

1 small onion, diced
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried parsley or thyme
Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

Crushed Ritz crackers
Bread crumbs
Extra shredded cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Shred or chop your leftover chicken into bite-sized pieces. If using pasta or rice, make sure it is already cooked and cooled.

This recipe thrives on ready-to-go components—no extra cooking needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics (Optional but Recommended)

In a skillet, heat a small amount of butter or oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
This step adds depth of flavor to the casserole, especially if your chicken is lightly seasoned.

If you want everything done in one bowl, you may skip this step—but the flavor it adds is worth it.