Ultimate Pecan Chicken Casserole Delight

🍗 Pecan Chicken Casserole from lovewithrecipes.com 🍗

Dive into a symphony of flavors with this Pecan Chicken Casserole, a delightful one-dish meal that promises to tantalize your taste buds with its rich, creamy, and nutty profile. Perfect for any season and an excellent choice for brunch, this dish is ready in just under an hour, making it an ideal option for a hearty yet quick meal. The combination of tender chicken, sharp cheddar, crunchy pecans, and a hint of sweetness from the onions and a blend of spices ensures that every bite is a burst of flavor. Let’s get started on this culinary adventure! 🌟🍴

🍽️ Ingredients

For this delectable Pecan Chicken Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/3 cup eggs (approximately 2 large eggs, beaten)
• 4 cups sour cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 cups chopped onion
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

⏰ Cooking Times

🔥 Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 10 servings):

• Calories: 435.4 kcal
• Fat: 31.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 156 mg
• Sodium: 423.8 mg
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Sugar: 1.3 g
• Protein: 24.1 g

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Crumb Mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 3/4 cup of chopped pecans, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

2. Set Aside Topping:

   • Take 1/2 cup of the prepared crumb mixture and set it aside for the topping later.

3. Form the Crust:

   • Press the remaining crumb mixture onto the bottom of a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Note that the crust will be crumbly, but don’t worry; it will come together as it bakes.
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the crust for about 10 minutes or until it turns lightly browned.

4. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a separate bowl, beat 1/3 cup of eggs (about 2 large eggs).
   • To the beaten eggs, add 4 cups of sour cream, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 4 cups of chopped onion. Mix everything well.
   • Season the mixture with 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Pour the filling mixture over the baked crust in the baking dish. Ensure that the filling is spread out evenly.

6. Add the Topping:

   • Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of crumb mixture evenly over the top of the filling.

7. Bake the Casserole:

   • Place the baking dish back in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 35 minutes. The casserole is ready when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown.

8. Rest and Serve:

   • Once baked, let the casserole stand for about 10 minutes before cutting. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes it easier to cut into portions.

🌟 Serving Suggestions

Serve this delightful Pecan Chicken Casserole warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of paprika for a pop of color. Pair it with a light side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich flavors of the casserole. This dish is perfect for brunch gatherings, family dinners, or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests with a heartwarming, homemade meal.

🌿 Tips and Variations

• Cheese Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella or a sharp gouda can add a unique twist to the casserole.
• Nutty Delight: If pecans aren’t available, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Vegetable Add-ins: For an extra nutritional boost, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the filling mixture.
• Spice It Up: Adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you love a bit of heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the filling.

Enjoy your culinary journey with this Pecan Chicken Casserole, a dish that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Happy cooking! 🍽️❤️