We love nothing more than a dish that brings people together and our Company Chicken Casserole is just that. It’s a hearty classic perfect for family gatherings or impressing guests with its comforting flavors and simple prep.
This American favorite combines tender chicken with creamy sauces and veggies for a crowd-pleasing meal. We’ll show you how to whip it up effortlessly so you can enjoy more time with your company.
Ingredients
For our Company Chicken Casserole, we gather these essential ingredients to create a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken with creamy flavors and fresh vegetables.
Below is a detailed list of ingredients, ordered by how we use them in preparation. We’ve bolded key terms for emphasis and included specific measurements for accuracy.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds, cooked and shredded for even distribution in the casserole base)
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) of cream of chicken soup (for the rich, creamy sauce that binds everything together)
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat for optimal creaminess, stirred in to enhance the sauce’s texture)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp, divided into portions for layering and topping)
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and corn, thawed and drained to add color and nutrition)
- 2 cups cooked white rice (long-grain for fluffiness, prepared separately to form the casserole’s base)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for a subtle, aromatic boost to the overall flavor profile)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, added during mixing to season the dish perfectly)
Required Equipment
We rely on the right tools to make our Company Chicken Casserole come together effortlessly, ensuring every step from prep to baking is smooth and efficient. With these essentials, we can transform simple ingredients into a creamy, crowd-pleasing dish.
Tools for Preparation
For preparing our Company Chicken Casserole ingredients, we need reliable tools that handle chopping, mixing, and measuring with precision. Here’s a detailed list of what we’ll use:
- Cutting board and chef’s knife: A sturdy cutting board paired with a sharp chef’s knife is crucial for slicing the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into even pieces, promoting even cooking and safety.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measuring cups and spoons help us precisely measure items like cream of chicken soup and garlic powder, ensuring the casserole’s rich, creamy texture.
- Mixing bowls: Large mixing bowls allow us to combine sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and frozen mixed vegetables without spills, creating a flavorful base.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: A flexible spatula or wooden spoon is essential for stirring the cooked white rice and seasonings, helping blend everything into a cohesive mixture.
Tools for Baking
- Casserole dish: A 9×13-inch casserole dish is ideal for holding the entire recipe, allowing the chicken and vegetables to bake uniformly for that hearty, comforting result.
- Oven thermometer: To guarantee optimal baking, an oven thermometer helps us maintain the correct temperature, typically around 350°F, for a perfectly set dish.
- Aluminum foil or baking sheet: Use aluminum foil to cover the dish and prevent over-browning, or place it on a baking sheet to catch any drips and avoid messes.
- Oven mitts: Heat-resistant oven mitts protect us when handling the hot casserole dish, ensuring we can safely remove our delicious meal from the oven.
Instructions
Let’s guide you through preparing our flavorful Company Chicken Casserole, combining tender chicken, creamy sauces, and fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing meal that impresses every time.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before assembling, we start by prepping our ingredients to ensure everything blends seamlessly. Follow these steps for efficiency:
- Chop the chicken: Take the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into 1-inch cubes on a clean cutting board using a sharp chef’s knife. We aim for even pieces so they cook uniformly and become juicy and tender.
- Measure and thaw vegetables: Measure out 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables and let them thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This step helps them integrate smoothly into the casserole, adding a crisp yet soft texture to the dish.
- Combine dry seasonings: In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of garlic powder with 1 teaspoon of your preferred seasoning (like salt and pepper). We blend these for a robust flavor that enhances the creamy base without overwhelming the natural tastes.
- Prepare other components: Open and measure 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of chicken soup and 1 cup of sour cream in separate bowls. Grate or measure 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and ensure 2 cups of cooked white rice are fluffed and ready. These steps set the stage for a rich, cheesy layer that makes the casserole irresistible.
Assemble the Casserole
We layer our prepped ingredients in a 9×13-inch casserole dish for that signature baked harmony. Use a spatula to mix and spread evenly:
- Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, thawed mixed vegetables, cooked white rice, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir until everything is coated in the creamy mixture, creating a velvety texture that promises a comforting bite.
- Add seasonings and cheese: Sprinkle the garlic powder mixture over the bowl and fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese (about ½ cup). We distribute it evenly to lock in flavors, ensuring each serving bursts with sharp, melted goodness.
- Transfer to dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out smoothly with a spatula. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a golden, bubbly crust that forms during baking.
Bake the Casserole
Finally, we bake to perfection, transforming the assembled layers into a hot, aromatic dish that’s ready to serve. Preheat your oven for consistent results:
- Preheat and cover: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture, helping the chicken become succulently tender.
- Bake initially: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake covered for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken, filling your kitchen with an irresistible, savory aroma.
- Uncover and finish: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). We check with an oven thermometer to ensure safety and optimal texture, resulting in a perfectly baked casserole that’s crispy on top and creamy inside.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To help you prepare our Company Chicken Casserole in advance, we recommend these steps for effortless entertaining. This approach lets you assemble the dish ahead of time, freeing up your schedule while preserving the creamy texture and flavorful blend of tender chicken, vegetables, and cheese.
Assembling Ahead
Follow these simple steps to put everything together before baking:
- Prep and Mix Ingredients Early: Start by chopping the chicken breasts and thawing the frozen mixed vegetables as outlined in our earlier instructions. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and seasonings with the prepped ingredients. We suggest using a whisk to ensure a smooth, creamy mixture that coats every bite perfectly.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Spoon the assembled mixture into your 9×13-inch casserole dish, then top it with shredded cheddar cheese. For optimal results, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to lock in moisture and flavors.
Storage Options
Depending on your timeline, store the casserole using one of these methods:
- Refrigerate for Short-Term: If you plan to bake within 24 to 48 hours, place the covered dish in the refrigerator. This keeps the casserole fresh and allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more aromatic and savory dish when baked.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: For meals up to 3 months ahead, wrap the covered dish in an additional layer of foil or use freezer-safe containers. Freezing maintains the dish’s hearty texture, but we advise thawing it overnight in the refrigerator to prevent uneven cooking.
Thawing and Baking Tips
When you’re ready to serve, follow these guidelines to achieve a golden-brown, bubbling casserole:
- Thaw Completely: If frozen, transfer the dish to the refrigerator 24 hours before baking. This ensures even heating and a moist, tender result.
- Preheat and Bake: Remove any wrapping, then preheat your oven to 350°F as per our original instructions. Bake the thawed casserole covered for the first 30 minutes to retain moisture, then uncover and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
For storage durations, refer to the table below to maximize quality:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | 1-2 days | Keep covered to prevent drying; reheat directly from fridge. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Use airtight wrapping; avoid repeated freezing and thawing to preserve texture. |
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure your Company Chicken Casserole remains a crowd-pleasing favorite, ready to impress with minimal last-minute effort.
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this Company Chicken Casserole to make your gatherings effortless and enjoyable. It’s a reliable favorite that brings warmth and flavor to any table.
Trust us we’ll keep coming back to it for its simplicity and crowd appeal. Give it a go and make it your own go-to dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Company Chicken Casserole?
Company Chicken Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family gatherings or entertaining. It combines tender chicken, creamy sauces, vegetables, and cheese over rice for a crowd-pleasing meal. This American favorite is easy to prepare, allowing more time with guests while delivering rich, flavorful results.
What ingredients are needed for Company Chicken Casserole?
You’ll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, frozen mixed vegetables, cooked white rice, garlic powder, and seasonings. Use specific measurements from the recipe for a creamy, nutritious dish that serves a crowd.
What equipment is required to make Company Chicken Casserole?
Essential tools include a cutting board and chef’s knife for prep, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, mixing bowls for combining ingredients, a spatula or wooden spoon for stirring, a 9×13-inch casserole dish for baking, an oven thermometer, aluminum foil, and oven mitts. These ensure smooth preparation and safe handling.
How do I prepare Company Chicken Casserole?
Start by prepping ingredients, mix them in a bowl, transfer to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake until golden brown. Follow the step-by-step instructions for a simple process that results in a delicious, satisfying meal ready in under an hour.
Can I make Company Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole in advance by prepping and mixing ingredients, then transfer to the dish. Store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze for longer. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed for a hassle-free meal.
How should I store and reheat Company Chicken Casserole?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for smaller portions, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.