# Cheesy Chicken Casserole: A Delight for Families
Cheesy Chicken Casserole is a warm and fulfilling dish that unites the family at the dinner table. This straightforward casserole is filled with soft pasta, succulent chicken, green chiles, and peppers, all coated in a luxurious and creamy cheese sauce. Baked until steaming and bubbly, this dish is ideal for hectic weeknights when you desire something substantial and tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
## Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Cheesy Chicken Casserole
– **Flavor**: The casserole features a rich and creamy taste, highlighting savory chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, mild green chiles, and a touch of heat from chili powder and seasoned salt.
– **Why Make It**: This recipe is a fantastic option for using leftover chicken or poached chicken breasts, making it quick to whip up. It can also be prepared in advance for added ease.
– **Recommended Tools**: To prepare this casserole, you will need a pot, a skillet, a large mixing bowl, and a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
– **Serving Suggestions**: Complement the casserole with a simple vegetable side, like roasted asparagus or honey-roasted carrots, to balance the rich and creamy flavors.
**Total Time**: 1 hour
**Servings**: 6
**Cooking Method**: Baked Casserole
## Ingredient Notes
– **Cooked Chicken**: You can utilize rotisserie chicken, leftover baked chicken, or poached chicken. Turkey or ham can also work as alternatives.
– **Pasta**: Any medium pasta variety is suitable, but be sure to cook it al dente to avoid becoming too mushy during baking.
– **Red Bell Pepper**: Contributes sweetness and color; green bell pepper can be used for a bolder flavor.
– **Chili Powder**: Adds a subtle kick. Taco seasoning can serve as a replacement, but use less at first because of its stronger taste.
– **Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup**: This component creates a creamy sauce quickly and helps hold the casserole together. Any cream-based soup may be used.
– **Sharp Cheddar Cheese**: Provides the most flavor, while mild cheddar gives a softer flavor. For added spice, consider blending in pepper jack cheese.
## How to Make Cheesy Chicken Casserole
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the pasta until just firm (al dente).
3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and red bell pepper, cooking until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in chili powder and seasoned salt.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, onion mixture, milk, 2 cups of cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly. Fold in the chicken, green chiles, and cooked pasta.
5. Transfer the mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
## Leftovers You’ll Love
Store leftover food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for as long as 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat portions in the microwave or warm larger quantities in the oven, covered, with a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
## What to Serve with Chicken Casserole
This cheesy chicken casserole pairs nicely with various sides. Think about serving it with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Savor this Cheesy Chicken Casserole as a cozy family meal that is bound to delight everyone at the table!