Chicken Au Gratin Casserole

Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this creamy and irresistible Chicken Au Gratin Casserole! A hearty blend of tender shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and a rich homemade cheddar cheese sauce is layered beneath a golden, crunchy panko-Parmesan topping. Infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and just the right amount of seasoning, this baked dish offers a perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness and texture. Ready in under an hour, this easy, family-friendly casserole is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, it’s the ultimate one-pan meal that promises warmth in every bite. Perfect for chicken casserole lovers or anyone seeking a quick dinner with a gourmet touch!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoons garlic powder
• 3 cups cooked penne or elbow pasta
• 0.75 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the chicken breasts for 10-12 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until the cheese is fully melted.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly.

Step 7

Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until evenly combined.

Step 9

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2229.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3933.4

Total Fat 190.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 96.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.4g
Cholesterol 753.5mg	0%
Sodium 4880.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 302.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.8g	0%
Total Sugars 33.4g
Protein 250.0g	0%

Vitamin D 227.2IU	0%
Calcium 2856.6mg	0%
Iron 15.0mg	0%
Potassium 2399.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.6%

Protein: 25.5%

Carbs: 30.9%