If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s as comforting as it is delicious, look no further than this Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with its golden, cheesy top and irresistibly creamy filling. Perfect for busy families, cozy gatherings, or simply indulging in pure comfort food, this casserole delivers flavor, warmth, and a whole lot of love in every bite. The best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of this Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe is how simple, familiar ingredients come together to create something truly special. Every component plays a key role, contributing just the right taste, texture, or pop of color so the finished dish is hearty yet balanced.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded or diced, this is a fantastic way to use up leftover roast or rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Mixed vegetables: Fresh or frozen peas, carrots, corn, and green beans add color, crunch, and sweetness—no need to thaw frozen veggies, just toss them in.
- Cream of chicken soup: The classic base for rich casseroles, bringing creamy texture and savory depth to every spoonful.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and a luscious silkiness that sets this casserole apart from the rest.
- Milk: Loosens the sauce just enough, ensuring every nook and cranny is filled with creaminess.
- Garlic powder: Delivers gentle, aromatic warmth throughout the dish.
- Onion powder: Another layer of savory flavor without needing to dice a single onion.
- Salt: The backbone of all great comfort food, it amplifies every other ingredient.
- Black pepper: A touch of mild heat to balance the creamy richness.
- Dried thyme: Earthy and fragrant, thyme gives the casserole its homey, signature taste.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets throughout and forms a glorious, golden cap on top.
- Cooked pasta or rice (optional): Make your casserole even heartier—pick whatever you have on hand or suit your family’s preference.
- Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs: This crispy topping brings a welcome contrast to all that creaminess underneath.
- Melted butter: Makes the breadcrumb or cracker crust extra flavorful and perfectly crisp.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Kitchen
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s piping hot and ready for baking. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a little butter or nonstick spray—this ensures easy serving (and cleaning) later.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Stir well until smooth and fully combined. This luscious mixture is the soul of your Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe, promising every mouthful is velvety and flavorful.
Step 3: Add Chicken, Veggies, Pasta or Rice, and Cheese
To your creamy mixture, add the cooked chicken, mixed vegetables (no need to thaw if frozen), cooked pasta or rice if using, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Gently mix until everything is evenly coated and the cheese is nicely distributed.
Step 4: Transfer to the Casserole Dish
Pour the well-mixed filling into your prepared casserole dish. Use a spatula or spoon to spread everything into an even layer—this helps ensure a uniform bake and a beautiful, golden crust later on.
Step 5: Add the Final Layers
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top for that essential cheesy finish. In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then scatter this mixture evenly over your casserole for extra crunch and a gorgeous golden top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges, a top that’s melted and lightly browned, and the irresistible aroma of homemade comfort food. Let it rest for about 5 minutes when it comes out of the oven; this short wait makes slicing and serving easier and even tastier!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches really take your Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe from everyday to extraordinary! Sprinkle a touch of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness. A light dusting of paprika can add appealing color and a hint of smokiness, while even a sprinkle of extra black pepper is delicious.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, honey-roasted carrots, or classic dinner rolls ready for soaking up extra sauce. If you want to keep things extra cozy, serve with buttery mashed potatoes or your favorite steamed vegetable for a perfectly balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or oven-safe soup bowls for a charming, personalized touch. You can also scoop the filling into halved, hollowed bell peppers and bake until everything is piping hot—an inventive (and tasty!) way to enjoy leftovers or impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers a real treat for lunches or busy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
This casserole is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Assemble everything, cover tightly with foil or a well-sealed lid, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking—perfect for prepping hearty meals in advance!
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot throughout (usually about 20–25 minutes). For individual portions, a quick trip through the microwave works perfectly. A splash of milk before reheating can help revive the creamy texture if needed.
FAQs
Can I make this Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe ahead?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cook time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What’s the best type Main Course
This recipe shines with any cooked chicken—rotisserie, leftover roast, grilled, or even poached. Shredded dark and white meat bring both moisture and depth of flavor to your casserole.
Do I have to use a can of cream of chicken soup?
While cream of chicken soup is traditional, feel free to substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a slightly different twist. Each option creates an equally decadent, creamy base.
Can I make this Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free condensed soup, swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs or crackers, and ensure your pasta (if using) is also gluten-free. It’s that easy to keep this cozy meal suitable for everyone.
What vegetables work best in this casserole?
A classic medley like peas, carrots, corn, and green beans is always a win, but feel free to mix in sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, or bell peppers based on what’s in season or what your family loves most.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe has all the makings of a forever favorite—creamy, cheesy, and brimming with nourishing flavors in every forkful. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or planning ahead for weeknight comfort, give this cozy classic a try and watch it become a beloved staple at your table!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting Creamy Chicken and Veggie Casserole, a delicious blend of tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and a creamy sauce topped with a cheesy crust. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh – peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 cups cooked pasta or rice (optional)
Topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine soup, sour cream, milk, spices. Add chicken, veggies, pasta/rice, and 1 cup of cheese.
- Assemble: Pour mixture into dish, top with remaining cheese.
- Add topping: Combine crackers/breadcrumbs with butter, sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Great use for leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Swap in cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
- Add sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
