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Savory creamy baked chicken casserole topped with cheese and breadcrumbs

Creamy Cozy Weeknight Chicken Bake

This Savory Creamy Baked Chicken Casserole is a warm, forgiving meal that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and vegetables for a comforting weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced Use roasted, poached, or leftover rotisserie-style chicken for best texture.
  • 1 cup broccoli florets Choose firm, bright green florets cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
  • 1 cup frozen peas Add peas raw into the mix for better texture.
  • 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini) Slightly undercook pasta by a minute or two.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter option, swap half the cream for extra chicken broth.
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Freshly shredded cheese melts better.
  • 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping) Toss with olive oil for extra crunch.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, peas, and pasta.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat.
  5. Transfer to the casserole dish, leveling the top.
  6. Top with cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs if desired.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; then remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
  8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For an extra-crisp topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end. Always taste the sauce before combining.