Are you on the hunt for a delicious and practical solution to the age-old dilemma of leftover chicken breast? Look no further than a Quick Leftover Chicken Breast Casserole. This recipe not only transforms those pesky leftovers into a delightful family meal but also maximizes your meal prep time and minimizes food waste. Here's how you can whip up this mouthwatering dish with ease.
Why Opt for a Casserole?
A casserole is a versatile meal that:
- Uses leftovers effectively.
- Allows for customization according to your pantry or fridge contents.
- Is easy to prepare and cook, requiring minimal supervision.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup or homemade equivalent
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable stock
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, corn), frozen or fresh
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice or pasta (optional)
- 1.5 cups crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced or shredded chicken with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Fold in the vegetables and 1 cup of cheese.
- If using, mix in the rice or pasta.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
🧑🍳 Note: Feel free to get creative! If you have other ingredients like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers, they can also work wonderfully in this casserole.
As you've mastered the art of transforming leftover chicken into a delicious meal, remember that casseroles are not only about taste but also about comfort and convenience. This particular casserole uses leftover chicken breast to its fullest, ensuring that no food goes to waste while providing a satisfying, easy-to-make meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility; you can adjust the ingredients based on what you have at hand or your family's preferences. Whether you choose to keep it simple or dress it up with more exotic vegetables, this Quick Leftover Chicken Breast Casserole is designed to make your mealtime both simple and special.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
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Absolutely! You can assemble this casserole, cover it with plastic wrap, and keep it in the fridge up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to increase the baking time slightly if you’re starting with a cold dish.
What can I use if I don’t have sour cream?
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Yogurt or even mayonnaise can be used as substitutes for sour cream, keeping in mind that the taste might vary slightly.
Can this casserole be frozen?
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Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking. Wrap it well, then when ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to account for the dish being colder.
