Country Farm Chicken Casserole
Country Farm Chicken Casserole is a comforting, hearty one-pan dish blending tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce topped with melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs. Perfect for family meals and cozy dinner nights, this versatile recipe is simple to prepare using everyday ingredients and can be easily customized to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 2 lbs chicken breast or thighs, bone-in or boneless
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or chicken soup
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender to create a flavorful base.
- Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom or chicken soup with milk or cream. Stir until smooth, then add chopped parsley and a pinch of black pepper for freshness and flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large casserole dish, mix the cooked chicken (diced or shredded), sautéed vegetables, and creamy sauce thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add Cheese and Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the casserole mixture. Then, cover the top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs to create a crispy, golden crust when baked.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until it is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set and the casserole to firm up.
Notes
- Use fresh thyme and parsley when possible as they provide more vibrant flavor than dried herbs.
- Do not overcook the chicken on the stove; it will finish cooking in the oven and remain juicy.
- Lightly toast crackers or breadcrumbs before topping for an extra crunchy crust.
- For a heartier casserole, add cooked rice or pasta into the mixture before baking.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to slice cleanly and enhance flavor melding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Chicken casserole, comfort food, creamy casserole, family dinner, one-pan meal, easy chicken recipe