Old Fashioned Chicken Casserole

Savor the comforting taste of nostalgia with this Old Fashioned Chicken Casserole—a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Featuring tender shredded chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy sauce nestled over a bed of fluffy white rice, this casserole is topped with gooey cheddar cheese and a buttery cracker crust that bakes to golden perfection in just 30 minutes. Classic ingredients like carrots, celery, and peas are elevated by a touch of dried thyme, while a silky combination of chicken broth and cream adds depth to every bite. Easy to prepare and freezer-friendly, this recipe is a timeless way to bring warmth and flavor to your table. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or meal prepping comfort food for the week, this chicken casserole delivers satisfaction in every mouthful!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken breasts
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 2 medium, sliced carrots
• 2 medium, diced celery stalks
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 cups cooked white rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crushed butter crackers

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the chicken breasts in a large pot of boiling water for about 15 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Step 3

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well, cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 5

Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 6

Stir in the heavy cream, shredded chicken, frozen peas, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine and warm through.

Step 7

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the cooked rice evenly on the bottom.

Step 8

Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture over the rice, spreading it into an even layer.

Step 9

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 10

In a small bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter (optional) and sprinkle the mixture over the cheese layer.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Old Fashioned Chicken Casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2986.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4068.9

Total Fat 180.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 94.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 937.1mg	0%
Sodium 7227.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 307.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.6g	0%
Total Sugars 33.9g
Protein 287.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1319.0mg	0%
Iron 19.7mg	0%
Potassium 2926.9mg	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: 40.6%

Protein: 28.7%

Carbs: 30.7%