Chicken and Vegetable Casserole: A Comforting Holiday Dish
Looking for a crowd-pleasing dish to bring to your holiday gatherings? This chicken and vegetable casserole, made with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory creamy sauce, is the perfect addition to any celebration.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers (or any other buttery crackers)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, until they are soft and fragrant.
4. Assemble the Casserole
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, frozen peas, frozen corn, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place the seared chicken pieces on top of the vegetable mixture.
5. Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until well-coated. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
6. Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra touch, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh burst of color.
