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–+ servings

Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Created by: Sarah Mock
Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe
prep time20 minutes
cook time30 minutes
total time50 minutes
Makes 8

Ingredients

  • ¼ Cup Butter
  • ¼ Cup Flour, All Purpose
  • ½ Cup onion diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
  • 2 ½ Cups milk (whole)
  • 3 ½ Cups cheddar cheese shredded (divided use)
  • 2 ounces Cream Cheese
  • 2 peas (frozen or fresh)
  • 3 Cups cooked rice
  • 3 Cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
  • 1 Cup buttery crackers
  • 1 Teaspoon Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Packet (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • Coat a 9"x13" pan with cooking spray.
  • Melt the butter in a medium pot over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and taking on color.
  • Add the flour to the pot and stir to coat the onions; cook for 1 minute to cook the flour taste out of the roux.
  • Slowly whisk the milk into the pan.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until sauce has thickened (coats the back of a spoon).
  • Add the cream cheese, 2 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and the salt, pepper to the sauce.
  • Lower the head and stir until smooth.
  • Place the rice, chicken and peas (or other vegetable) in a large bowl and stir to combine.
  • Pour the sauce over the top and toss to coat evenly.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese, crushed crackers and if using , the ranch dressing powder over the top.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until casserole is bubbly, topping is browned and cheese is melted.

Notes

Cheesy chicken casserole tips:

  • If you don't have fresh garlic substitute in ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • The crackers I use are the Ritz crackers but any butter cracker will work, coarsely crushed (24 crackers or ¾ of a sleeve)
  • To help keep the sauce from becoming lumpy, I warm the milk in the microwave first.
  • Cook multiple chicken breasts at the beginning of the week and use them in this and other recipes throughout the week.

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