Description
No-Peek Chicken Casserole is a comforting, rich, and hearty baked dish combining tender chicken, creamy mushroom sauce, vegetables, and a golden cheesy topping. Effortless to prepare and perfect for family meals, this casserole brings together simple pantry staples in layers of satisfying flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Starch Base
- 2 cups cooked rice or cooked pasta (or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
Vegetables
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/2 cup peas (optional)
Cheese Topping
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (or a blend)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Lightly season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the natural flavor.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until smooth and creamy, creating a tangy and rich sauce to bind the casserole.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a greased baking dish, spread the cooked rice or pasta evenly at the bottom. Layer the seasoned chicken pieces and chopped vegetables evenly over the starch base. Pour the prepared sauce over everything, making sure it coats all the layers thoroughly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a bubbly, golden crust when baked.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh chicken and vegetables whenever possible for the best flavor and texture.
- The creamy sauce is essential to keep the casserole moist and bind the ingredients together.
- Covering the dish while baking helps cook the chicken evenly and retain moisture.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set and slice cleanly.
- Feel free to mix different cheeses for richer flavor and gooey texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, easy dinner, creamy chicken bake, family-friendly recipe, one dish meal, gluten free casserole