Grandma’s Easy Chicken Casserole

Ingredients

4 chicken breast halves, skinned and shredded

4 cups of water

2 cans of mixed vegetables, drained

2 cans cream of chicken soup

1 container of sour cream

1 can sliced water chestnuts

1 large onion diced well

1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded

1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed

2 tbsp butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400*

Place the chicken in a pot of water and submerge to cover it

Turn the heat to high

Season with Salt and Pepper to taste and boil

Reduce the heat to medium and cover the pot

Simmer until the chicken reads 165* with a meat thermometer

Remove the chicken from the pot and set to the side and allow to cool for 10 minutes

Cut chicken into bite sized pieces,

In a large bowl combine the soup, canned vegetables, sour cream, water chestnuts and cheddar cheese.

Stir until well mixed

Toss in the chicken pieces and combine

Transfer to a large baking dish and sprinkle the crushed crackers on top

Cut the butter into pieces and place randomly on the cracker crumbs

Bake for 30 minutes or until the center is bubbling

Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes to set.

Serve and Enjoy!

Notes:

Chicken Options: You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to save time. Just shred it and add it directly to the mixture without boiling.

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference. Fresh or frozen vegetables can be used instead of canned, but make sure to cook or thaw them first.

Cheese Choices: While cheddar cheese is recommended, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.

Crunchy Topping: The crushed Ritz crackers add a delightful crunch, but you can also use breadcrumbs, cornflakes, or even crushed potato chips as a topping.

Add Extra Flavor: For a richer taste, consider adding some garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs like thyme or parsley to the mixture.

Sour Cream Substitute: If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture with a bit more tang.

Gluten-Free Option: To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs and ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free as well.

Portion Control: This recipe makes a large casserole, ideal for family meals or gatherings. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips: When reheating, cover the casserole with foil to prevent the crackers from burning, and heat at 350°F until warmed through.

Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add extra ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, green beans, or even cooked pasta to make the casserole heartier.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of skinning and shredding them?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for convenience.

Simply cook the chicken breasts as directed until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, then shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned ones?

Yes, you can substitute fresh vegetables for the canned ones if you prefer.

Just make sure to cook them until tender before adding them to the casserole mixture.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake as directed.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Cheddar?

Yes, you can use your preferred cheese or a combination of cheeses in this casserole.

Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese would work well as substitutes for Cheddar.

What can I serve with Grandma’s Easy Chicken Casserole?

This casserole is quite filling on its own but pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

You can also serve it with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for added substance.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer.

Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

What can I use instead of water chestnuts?

If you don’t have water chestnuts or prefer to omit them, you can simply leave them out of the recipe.

They add a crunchy texture, but the casserole will still be delicious without them.

Can I use homemade cream of chicken soup instead of canned?

Yes, you can use homemade cream of chicken soup if you prefer.

Simply make a roux with butter and flour, then add chicken broth and seasonings to create the soup base.

Is it necessary to crush the Ritz crackers or can I use them whole?

Crushing the Ritz crackers helps create a crispy topping for the casserole.

If you prefer a different texture, you can try using whole crackers or even breadcrumbs instead.

Can I add other ingredients to the casserole, such as mushrooms or bell peppers?

Yes, you can customize the casserole by adding your favorite ingredients.

Mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, or even cooked pasta can be delicious additions to this recipe.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out while baking?

To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure it is fully cooked before assembling the casserole.

You can also cover the casserole with foil while baking to retain moisture.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time and freeze it?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and freeze it before baking.

Simply cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if you prefer.

It will add a tangy flavor to the casserole and provide similar creaminess.

How can I make this casserole healthier?

To make this casserole healthier, you can use low-fat or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, opt for reduced-fat cheese, and choose low-sodium cream of chicken soup.

You can also increase the amount of vegetables and use whole grain Ritz crackers for the topping.