Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this creamy chicken bake! It’s one of those cozy, heartwarming dishes that brings everyone to the table. Seriously, it’s so easy to whip up, and it’s the kind of meal that tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen—when in reality, it’s just a matter of tossing a few ingredients together! I remember the first time I made it for my family; the smiles and compliments were endless. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to weeknight dinner that never disappoints. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (leftover rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup (the star of the creaminess!)
- 1 cup sour cream (adds that luscious tang)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using cheddar, but go wild with your favorite!)
- 1 cup broccoli, steamed (or any veggies you want to sneak in)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (adds depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp on the seasoning!)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for that perfect crispy topping)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important to get that creamy chicken bake bubbling perfectly!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s well blended and looking creamy—trust me, you’ll want to dive right in!
- Next, gently fold in the steamed broccoli and half of the shredded cheese. This is where the magic happens—every bite will be cheesy goodness mixed with tender veggies!
- Now, transfer this delicious mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly. No need to rush; just make sure it’s nice and even.
- Top it off with the remaining cheese and sprinkle those breadcrumbs over the top for that golden, crunchy finish!
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you’ll be counting down the minutes!
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for just a few minutes before serving. This little wait will help everything settle perfectly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, creamy texture that everyone will crave.
- Loaded with flavor and nutrients from the chicken and veggies.
- Customizable with your favorite ingredients or leftovers.
- Family-friendly and sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
Tips for Success
To nail this creamy chicken bake, make sure your chicken is well-shredded so it mixes easily with the other ingredients. If you want a little extra kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes! Don’t skip the breadcrumbs—they’re crucial for that satisfying crunch on top. If you find it’s too thick, just add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up a bit. And remember, letting it cool for a few minutes after baking helps everything meld together beautifully. Trust me, these little tips will take your dish from good to absolutely delicious!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for the creamy chicken bake, so you know what you’re getting in every delicious bite:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite while being mindful of these numbers!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Absolutely! If you’ve got fresh chicken, just cook it first (grilled, baked, or boiled works great) and then shred it for the recipe. It adds a lovely freshness to the creamy chicken bake!
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
No worries! You can substitute with a homemade white sauce or even use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor twist. It’ll still be deliciously creamy!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the creamy chicken bake, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready for a comforting meal!
How do I reheat leftovers?
For reheating, just pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry!
What other veggies can I add?
Feel free to throw in any veggies you love! Peas, carrots, or even bell peppers can add great flavor and nutrition to your creamy chicken bake. Get creative!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Let’s chat about the ingredients in this creamy chicken bake and some fun swaps you can make! First up, the shredded chicken. Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver, but if you have cooked chicken breast or thighs, those work perfectly too! Just make sure it’s shredded to mix in nicely.
The cream of chicken soup is key for that creamy base, but if you don’t have it on hand, a homemade white sauce is a fantastic alternative! Simply melt some butter, whisk in flour, and slowly add chicken broth until thickened. If you want to switch things up, cream of mushroom soup can also add an earthy flavor.
Now, about the sour cream: it gives a wonderful tang, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute! Just keep in mind it might add a slightly different flavor. As for the shredded cheese, I love cheddar, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick!
If you want to sneak in more veggies, don’t hold back! You can swap the broccoli for steamed carrots, peas, or even spinach. Just make sure they’re cooked to your liking beforehand. Lastly, the breadcrumbs on top are a must for that golden crunch, but if you want to keep it gluten-free, crushed gluten-free crackers or even panko work wonders! There you go—lots of flexibility to make this dish your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’ve got leftovers from your creamy chicken bake (which is always a bonus!), just let it cool completely before storing. Transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay delicious for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat it for about 15-20 minutes until it’s warmed through and bubbly again. If you’re in a rush, you can microwave individual servings for about 2-3 minutes, checking to make sure it’s hot all the way through. Enjoy that creamy goodness once more!
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken bake is so versatile, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! I love serving it alongside a fresh, crisp green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. You can also whip up some fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious sauce—yum! If you’re in the mood for something lighter, steamed vegetables like carrots or green beans make a perfect accompaniment. And don’t forget some warm, crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that cheesy goodness! Whatever you choose, your meal is bound to be a hit!
Drucken
Creamy chicken bake: 5 reasons it’s your new favorite meal
- Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Low Fat
Beschreibung
A delicious creamy chicken bake that is easy to prepare.
Zutaten
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup broccoli, steamed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the steamed broccoli and half of the shredded cheese to the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- Use leftover chicken for quicker preparation.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterin: 75mg
Keywords: creamy chicken bake
