Best 3 Make Ahead Chicken Casserole Recipes
Indulge in the culinary delight of a comforting chicken casserole, a versatile dish that promises a symphony of flavors in every bite. Whether you prefer the classic "Make-Ahead Chicken Casserole" with its creamy sauce and tender chicken, or the tantalizing "Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole" with its rich mushroom and parmesan sauce, there's a recipe here to satisfy every palate. For those seeking a healthier option, the "Skinny Chicken Casserole" offers a guilt-free indulgence with its lean protein and wholesome ingredients. And for a taste of the American Southwest, the "Chicken Enchilada Casserole" combines the bold flavors of Mexican spices with the comforting goodness of a casserole. No matter your preference, these recipes guarantee a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
MAKE-AHEAD CHEESY SOUTHWEST CHICKEN AND PASTA CASSEROLE
Plan ahead and put this party-ready casserole in the freezer for your next big get-together! Once it's thawed, top with tortilla chips, and bake for a cheesy-crunchy crowd pleaser that packs tons of flavor and just the right amount of heat.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 1h25m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
- In 4-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in onion, bell pepper, poblano and jalapeño chiles; cook about 6 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Stir in flour and taco seasoning mix; cook and stir 1 minute. Gradually beat in broth with whisk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; boil and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in cream cheese and Cheddar cheese.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta as directed on package for minimum cook time. Drain; stir pasta into sauce with chicken, frozen corn and black beans. Pour pasta mixture into baking dish, and pour enchilada sauce over top.
- Bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and sprinkle with tortilla chips. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through and sauce is bubbling around edges. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro and red onion just before serving.
- To freeze: Line 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with foil, making sure foil is as smooth as possible, as wrinkled foil may get stuck in sauce during freezing process. Leave enough overhang to lift casserole out of dish. Spray foil with cooking spray. Cover and refrigerate sauce 30 to 40 minutes before assembling casserole. Mix sauce with cooked pasta, chicken, frozen corn and beans; spread in lined baking dish (do not add enchilada sauce); cover tightly with another layer of foil. Freeze unbaked casserole about 8 hours or until completely frozen. Transfer frozen casserole to labeled 2-gallon resealable freezer plastic bag. Remove air; seal and freeze up to three months. To bake: Remove foil, and transfer to 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Cover and thaw in refrigerator until completely thawed, at least 48 hours. Heat oven to 350°F. Remove cover, and top with enchilada sauce. Bake 20 minutes; top with crushed tortilla chips. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly around edges (165°F in center). Let stand 15 minutes. Top with cilantro and red onion just before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 490, Carbohydrate 61 g, Cholesterol 55 mg, Fat 2 1/2, Fiber 7 g, Protein 21 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 910 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 0 g
MAKE-AHEAD CHICKEN CASSEROLE
"This hearty entree offers a great way to use up leftover turkey or chicken. Whenever I make it, someone asks for the recipe." Best of all, you can fix it ahead to simplify mealtime. -Sue Kennedy, Galloway, Ohio
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h30m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Prepare stuffing according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute mushrooms and onion in butter until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer., In a large bowl, combine the chicken, corn, broccoli, soup, milk, sour cream, mayonnaise, pepper and mushroom mixture; transfer to a greased 13-in x 9-in. baking dish. Top with stuffing. Cover and refrigerate overnight., Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350° for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake 10-15 minutes longer or until stuffing is lightly browned. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 501 calories, Fat 26g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 90mg cholesterol, Sodium 918mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 26g protein.
MAKE AHEAD CHICKEN CASSEROLE
this is a quick and easy recipe the bad thing about it is you fix at night and cook it the next day but it is well worth the wait
Provided by Patsy Fowler
Categories Casseroles
Time 1h25m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 1. mix together macaroni, velveeta cheese, hard boiled eggs, chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup and milk.
- 2. cover and refrigerate overnight.
- 3. take out 1 hour before cooking. preheat oven to 350. bake for 1 hour.
Tips:
- Prep Ahead: Save time by prepping the casserole components in advance. Cook and shred the chicken, chop the veggies, and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers until ready to assemble.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an effortless shortcut, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply remove the meat from the bones and shred it. This saves time and adds delicious flavor to your casserole.
- Choose Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables in this casserole. Some popular options include broccoli, carrots, celery, peas, and corn. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Make It Creamy: For a creamy casserole, add a can of cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup to the sauce. You can also stir in a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Season to Taste: Don't forget to season the casserole with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices to your liking. Taste the sauce before pouring it over the casserole and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Top with Crunchy Topping: For a golden-brown, crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or grated Parmesan cheese over the casserole before baking. This adds texture and extra flavor to the dish.
Conclusion:
With its versatile ingredients and customizable flavors, this make-ahead chicken casserole is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. By following these tips, you can create a delicious and satisfying casserole that everyone will love. Enjoy the convenience of preparing it ahead of time and savor the comforting flavors of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a creamy sauce. Remember to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to make this casserole your own. Happy cooking!
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