# Cheesy Chicken Casserole: A Family-Friendly Meal
Cheesy Chicken Casserole is a scrumptious dish that melds tender pasta, succulent chicken, green chiles, and peppers in a creamy cheese sauce. Baked until piping hot and bubbly, this simple casserole is ideal for hectic weeknights, making it a hit among families.
## Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Cheesy Chicken Casserole
– **Flavor**: This casserole is indulgently creamy, showcasing savory chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, mild green chiles, and a touch of heat from chili powder and seasoned salt.
– **Why Make It**: By using leftover chicken or poached chicken breasts, this casserole comes together quickly and can be prepared in advance.
– **Recommended Tools**: Key tools include a pot, a skillet, a large mixing bowl, and a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
– **Serving Suggestions**: Complement with straightforward vegetable sides like roasted asparagus or honey-roasted carrots to balance the rich tastes.
**Total Time**: 1 hour
**Servings**: 6
**Cooking Method**: Baked Casserole
## Ingredient Notes
– **Cooked Chicken**: Options include rotisserie chicken, leftover baked chicken, or poached chicken. Turkey or ham can also be substituted.
– **Pasta**: Any medium pasta is suitable, but cook it to just al dente to avoid excessive softness during baking.
– **Red Bell Pepper**: Provides sweetness and color; green bell pepper can offer a sharper taste.
– **Chili Powder**: Adds a subtle hint of spice. Taco seasoning can be used as a substitute, but should be applied sparingly.
– **Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup**: Quickly creates a creamy sauce and binds the casserole. Any cream-based soup is applicable.
– **Sharp Cheddar Cheese**: Delivers the most flavor; mild cheddar gives a softer taste. For added zest, consider using pepper jack cheese.
## How to Make Cheesy Chicken Casserole
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Boil the pasta until just firm.
3. Sauté the onion and bell pepper in butter, then add seasoning.
4. In a large bowl, combine the soup, onion mixture, milk, 2 cups of cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Fold in chicken, green chiles, and cooked pasta.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish and sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until it is hot and bubbly.
## Leftovers You’ll Love
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 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.
## What to Serve with Chicken Casserole
This casserole goes well with a variety of sides, enhancing the overall meal experience.
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