Layered Chicken Casserole

Dive into comfort food heaven with this irresistible Layered Chicken Casserole, a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. This recipe features tender, seasoned chicken layered with fluffy white rice, a medley of vibrant mixed vegetables, and a luscious homemade cheese sauce made from chicken broth and shredded cheddar. Topped with a crispy breadcrumb-Parmesan blend, this casserole bakes to golden perfection in just 30 minutes, filling your kitchen with an aroma that's hard to resist. With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep time, this baked casserole is a crowd-pleaser that's as delicious as it is versatile. Perfect for cozy weeknights or potluck gatherings, each slice is packed with flavor and indulgent comfort.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 large Chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Chicken broth
• 1 cup Milk
• 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups Frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 cups Cooked white rice
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light layer of oil.

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet, let cool slightly, and shred or dice the chicken.

Step 3

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, to make a roux. Gradually add the chicken broth and milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.

Step 4

Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper, then stir in 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Remove the skillet from heat.

Step 5

Spread the cooked rice in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Distribute the shredded chicken evenly over the rice.

Step 6

Top the chicken layer with the frozen mixed vegetables, spreading them into an even layer.

Step 7

Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the vegetables, ensuring it covers the layers well. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese together. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2238.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3250.7

Total Fat 156.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 78.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.8g
Cholesterol 680.9mg	0%
Sodium 7382.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 225.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.5g	0%
Total Sugars 33.2g
Protein 232.8g	0%

Vitamin D 111.8IU	0%
Calcium 2386.3mg	0%
Iron 15.8mg	0%
Potassium 1793.6mg	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: 43.4%

Protein: 28.7%

Carbs: 27.9%