Creamy Chicken Casserole for a Crowd
Description
In response to a cherished request, this delightful creamy chicken casserole is designed to satisfy the appetites of a large gathering, featuring a crispy, buttery cracker topping that complements a rich and creamy chicken filling. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or simply feeding a crowd, this dish can easily serve 10 to 12 people, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or celebrations. For those wishing to incorporate additional flavors, optional vegetables such as peas, mushrooms, and carrots can be added, just remember to adjust the quantities of soup and sour cream accordingly.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Recipe Category
Chicken
Keywords
Poultry, Meat, Potluck, < 60 Mins, Oven
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 291.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 16.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 87.9 mg |
| Sodium | 478 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 8.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g |
| Sugars | 0.4 g |
| Protein | 25.7 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 8 cups | Cooked chicken, shredded |
| 2 cans | Cream of chicken soup |
| 8 oz | Sour cream |
| 1/2 cup | Butter, melted |
| 2 cups | Crushed buttery crackers |
| 1 tsp | Celery seed |
Instructions
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Preparation of Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly blended, creating a creamy base for your casserole.
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Assembling the Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish, ensuring that the filling is level and well-distributed across the dish for even baking.
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Creating the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, crushed buttery crackers, and celery seeds. Mix well until the crumbs are thoroughly coated with butter, adding flavor and richness to your topping.
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Topping the Casserole: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture generously over the chicken mixture in the baking dish, ensuring an even layer that will crisp up beautifully during baking.
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Baking the Casserole: Place the assembled casserole in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on the casserole, watching for bubbling around the edges and a golden-brown topping, which indicates that it’s ready.
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Optional Vegetable Addition: If you wish to incorporate additional vegetables, such as frozen peas, diced cooked carrots, and cooked or canned mushrooms, you may do so at this stage. Add these vegetables to the chicken mixture before spreading it into the baking dish. If you choose to add these extras, consider increasing the amount of soup by half to one can to maintain the casserole’s creaminess. After mixing in the vegetables, assess the consistency—if it appears dry, add another half can of soup, or adjust with more sour cream until you achieve your desired texture.
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Serving: Once baked to perfection, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set slightly and make serving easier. Enjoy the creamy goodness and delightful flavors that this casserole offers, perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Final Notes
This creamy chicken casserole not only offers convenience and flavor but also adapts beautifully to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different vegetable combinations or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. The satisfying crunch of the cracker topping combined with the rich, creamy filling is sure to be a hit at any gathering, making it a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!
