Cheesy Chicken RicPicnic

Cheesy chicken casserole is a classic comfort food, and there are many delicious and easy variations. Here’s a popular and straightforward recipe that uses condensed soup for a creamy base and a crunchy cracker topping.

Classic Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30-45 minutes

• 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom, or a mix of both)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional, but adds extra creaminess)
• 1/2 cup milk (if using cream of mushroom or for a looser sauce)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided (or a blend like Colby Jack)
• 1 1/2 sleeves (about 45) buttery round crackers (like Ritz), crushed
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Equipment:

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise (if using), and milk (if using). Stir until well combined and smooth. If desired, stir in onion powder and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Add Chicken and Cheese: Add the cooked chicken to the soup mixture. Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded Cheddar cheese until everything is evenly coated.
4. Assemble Casserole: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crackers are evenly moistened.
6. Add Topping: Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken casserole. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese over the cracker topping.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Tips and Variations:

• Add Vegetables: Stir in 1-2 cups of cooked or frozen (thawed and drained) vegetables like broccoli florets, peas, or mixed vegetables for added nutrition and color.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a touch of Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
• Pasta or Rice: For a heartier casserole, you can add 2-3 cups of cooked pasta (like egg noodles or elbow macaroni) or cooked rice to the chicken mixture before baking. Adjust the liquid if needed to keep it creamy.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a little heat.
• Homemade Sauce: If you prefer not to use condensed soup, you can make a simple cheese sauce from scratch using a roux (butter and flour), milk, and cheese.
• Picnic ready!

Super yummy cheese picnic!