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Chicken Casserole Recipe with Leftover Chicken

Chicken Casserole Recipe with Leftover Chicken - Sweet Mama's Kitchen

Ah, chicken casserole! A classic dish designed for comfort and ease, especially when leftovers are in play. I remember the first time I prepared a casserole with leftover chicken. 
My college roommate had made a huge rotisserie chicken for dinner one night, and naturally, leftovers awaited the next day. 
Rather than opt for reheating, I decided to get creative. The result? A delightful casserole that stole the show! Today, I’m ecstatic to share this recipe with you. Not only is it easy, but it’s downright delicious and perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans of creamy chicken-flavored condensed soup
  • 3 cups of finely shredded or diced rotisserie chicken
  • 2 1/2 cups of golden, crunchy panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 cups of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
  1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial preparation ensures your casserole bakes evenly and cooks properly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, creamy chicken soup, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. If you want to add any leftover veggies, this is the time to chuck them into the mix! Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Toppings
  1. In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Stir it until the breadcrumbs are well-coated. Then, add one cup of grated cheddar cheese to the mix.
    This will create a crunchy topping that complements the creamy filling beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
  1. In a greased casserole dish, spread the chicken and soup mixture evenly across the bottom. After that, sprinkle the breadcrumb topping generously over the chicken layer. Make sure it’s evenly distributed to ensure every bite is loaded with flavor!
Step 5: Bake
  1. Place your assembled casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for around 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Be sure to enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen—it's pure comfort!
Step 6: Let it Rest
  1. Once it's out of the oven, let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting period will help the flavors settle and keep the casserole intact when you serve it.

Notes

  • Use Day-Old Chicken: It's even tastier. Allowing the chicken to sit enhances its flavor.
  • Add Veggies: Try adding peas, carrots, or green beans for extra nutrients and flavor.
  • Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
  • Make it Ahead of Time: You can prepare the casserole the night before. Just cover it with foil and keep it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready!
  • Leftover Storage: Always store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.