Traditional Homestyle Casserole

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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If you're in the mood for something comforting and easy to make, this Traditional Homestyle Casserole is just what you need. It's a warm, hearty dish that's perfect for any time of the year, packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and creamy goodness. Let's dive into how you can bring this satisfying meal to your table.

Ingredients for Traditional Homestyle Casserole

Boneless chicken breasts are the star of this dish, offering lean protein that keeps you satisfied. Broccoli florets and carrots add a pop of color and a healthy crunch, while diced onion enhances the overall flavor profile. The cream of mushroom soup acts as the creamy base, binding everything together. Shredded cheddar cheese tops it all off, giving it a melted, bubbly finish. Milk helps to thin the soup for the perfect consistency. Cooked white rice fills out the dish, making it hearty and substantial. A touch of olive oil is used for sautéing, and a blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme seasons the casserole beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
  • Use a rice cooker or instant pot to cook your rice while you prep the other ingredients to save time.
  • For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner, consider serving it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. For a complete comfort food experience, pair it with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Monterey Jack or mozzarella can be great alternatives if you want a milder flavor.
What if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of the chicken-based soup.

Traditional Homestyle Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First, let's get our oven ready by preheating it to 350°F. While the oven heats up, grab a large skillet and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Place it over medium heat and once it's hot, lay down your chicken breasts. You're looking to get a nice golden brown color, which should take about five minutes on each side. Once done, take the chicken out of the skillet, let it cool a bit, and then slice it into bite-sized pieces.

Don't wash that skillet just yet — we want all those tasty bits from the chicken. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and broccoli florets. Sauté them until they’re tender, which usually takes around seven minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to make sure everything cooks evenly.

Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with the milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. Now, add in the cooked rice, your sliced chicken, and the sautéed vegetables. Mix thoroughly so that every bite is packed with flavor.

Pour this mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once it's done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and filling.
  • A great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables from the fridge.
  • Comfort food at its finest, with simple ingredients that deliver big flavor.
  • Customizable — swap in your favorite veggies or change up the cheese.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup diced onion
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
2 cups cooked white rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon thyme

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook chicken breasts until golden brown, about 5 minutes each side.
3. Remove chicken and slice into bite-sized pieces.
4. In the same skillet, sauté onion, carrots, and broccoli until tender, about 7 minutes.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
6. Stir in cooked rice, chicken, and vegetables.
7. Pour mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

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