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Here is what you need for the creamy herb chicken casserole: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, lightly steamed until vibrant - 1 cup cooked rice, either white or brown - 1 can cream of mushroom soup for a rich base - 1 cup sour cream for added creaminess - 1 teaspoon garlic powder for depth of flavor - 1 teaspoon onion powder to enhance sweetness - 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled - 1 teaspoon dried basil for an aromatic touch - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, preferably sharp - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping - 2 tablespoons olive oil, to coat the breadcrumbs - Optional garnish: fresh parsley, finely chopped Gather these ingredients to make a flavorful and comforting meal. Each one plays a key role in making this dish rich and satisfying. The cream of mushroom soup and sour cream add creaminess, while the herbs give it a lovely aroma. Don't forget the cheddar for that cheesy goodness! {{ingredient_image_2}} Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is key. It ensures that your casserole cooks evenly. If you skip this step, the dish may not bake well. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and cooked rice. Add the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This mixture is the heart of your casserole. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish lightly. Spoon the chicken mixture into the dish. Spread it evenly. This helps it cook uniformly. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This cheese layer adds flavor and richness. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Stir well. This oil helps the breadcrumbs become crispy. Evenly sprinkle this topping over the cheese layer. This step gives the casserole a crunchy finish. Place the casserole in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbling edges and a golden top. These signs mean it’s ready. After baking, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. This cooling time helps it set. For a nice touch, garnish with finely chopped parsley. This adds color and freshness to your dish. Enjoy every bite! For this dish, you can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Shredding chicken is easy. Just use two forks to pull apart the meat into bite-sized pieces. Make sure to remove any bones or skin. If starting with raw chicken, boil it until cooked through, then shred. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or dill. You can also mix in spices like paprika or cayenne for some heat. A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness. Experiment with these options to find what you love best. To get the perfect creamy texture, use full-fat sour cream and cream of mushroom soup. Mixing them well ensures a smooth base. If you want it even creamier, add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of cream. Stirring in cheese while mixing helps make it rich and luscious. Pro Tips Cooked Chicken: Using leftover rotisserie chicken can save you time and add extra flavor to your casserole. Broccoli Prep: Steaming the broccoli until it's vibrant ensures it retains its nutrients and bright color in the dish. Cheese Choice: Opting for sharp cheddar cheese enhances the flavor profile, making each bite more satisfying. Crispy Topping: Coating the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil before baking gives them a delightful crunch that's irresistible. {{image_4}} You can make this casserole without meat. For a vegetarian option, use cooked chickpeas or lentils instead of chicken. These add protein and texture. Instead of cream of mushroom soup, use a vegetable cream soup. This keeps the creamy base while adding more flavor. Cheddar cheese is great, but you can switch it up. Try mozzarella for a milder taste. If you want a tangy flavor, use feta cheese. You can also mix cheeses for a richer taste. Just remember to keep the total amount the same. You can lighten up this dish easily. Use low-fat sour cream to cut calories. Brown rice is a good swap for white rice. For gluten-free options, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs. These changes keep the dish tasty while making it a bit healthier. To keep your creamy herb chicken casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Let the casserole cool down before placing it in the fridge. It lasts up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply take it out and reheat. Freezing is a great way to save leftovers for later. First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cut it into individual portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method avoids freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months for best quality. To reheat, you have a few options. If you use the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. If you're short on time, you can use the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. Both methods will help keep the texture and flavor intact. You can prepare this casserole in advance. First, make the chicken mixture and layer it in the dish. Do not add the cheese or breadcrumbs yet. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. You can keep it there for up to two days. When you are ready to bake, add the cheese and breadcrumbs on top. Then bake as directed. Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great idea! It saves time and effort. The chicken is already cooked, so you just shred it. This adds great flavor and makes the dish even easier to prepare. Plus, rotisserie chicken is juicy and tender, which enhances the casserole's texture. This casserole pairs well with many side dishes. Try serving it with a fresh green salad for a light touch. Garlic bread is also a great choice, adding crunch and flavor. Steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots can round out your meal nicely. Yes, you can make this casserole dairy-free! Use dairy-free sour cream and a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup. For cheese, try a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether. This way, you can still enjoy the creamy texture without dairy. This blog post guides you through making a creamy herb chicken casserole. We discussed ingredients like chicken, broccoli, and cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for flavor, and variations to suit your needs. You can easily store leftovers and reheat them later. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a tasty, comforting meal with your family. Cooking is fun, and I hope you make this dish your own!

Creamy Herb Chicken Casserole

A comforting and creamy chicken casserole loaded with herbs and topped with a crispy panko crust.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, lightly steamed
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • optional fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and cooked rice. Add in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, followed by the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter, then carefully spoon the chicken mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
  • Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken mixture, making sure to cover the surface well for melty goodness.
  • In a separate small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil, stirring until the breadcrumbs are thoroughly coated. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the layer of cheese for an extra crunchy topping.
  • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is a delicious golden brown.
  • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. For a touch of freshness, garnish with finely chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
Keyword casserole, chicken, comfort food, creamy, herbs