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Make Ahead Casserole Recipe Make Ahead Casserole Recipe

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Make Ahead Casserole Recipe

This make-ahead casserole is a lifesaver! Juicy chicken, veggies, and creamy soup topped with cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake it, and you've got a golden, bubbly, comforting dish ready to devour.

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Nothing beats a make-ahead casserole for those busy weeknights. This comfort food classic combines tender chicken, crisp peas, and sweet carrots in a creamy sauce, all topped with gooey cheddar cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs. It’s easy to throw together and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Let’s dive in and get cooking!

The name of the recipe: Make Ahead Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, frozen peas, diced carrots, milk, and cream of chicken soup.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
  5. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

What You Will Need

What you will need to make make ahead casserole recipe

  • Cooked chicken: Provides protein and a hearty base, making the casserole filling and satisfying.
  • Frozen peas and diced carrots: Add color, texture, and a touch of sweetness, balancing the savory flavors.
  • Milk: Helps create a creamy sauce, binding all ingredients together smoothly.
  • Cream of chicken soup: Adds rich flavor and creaminess, enhancing the overall taste.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to form a gooey, cheesy topping, making each bite delicious.
  • Breadcrumbs: Provide a crunchy topping, adding texture contrast to the creamy casserole.

Tools and Instruments Required

What tools/instruments will be needed to make Make Ahead Casserole Recipe

  • Mixing bowl: Essential for combining chicken, peas, carrots, milk, and soup into a uniform mixture.
  • Baking dish: Holds the casserole mixture and allows even baking in the oven.
  • Oven: Bakes the casserole to ensure it’s heated through and the top is golden brown.
  • Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like milk, peas, and carrots.
  • Spatula: Useful for transferring the mixture from the bowl to the baking dish and spreading it evenly.

Make Ahead Casserole Recipe

A simple, delicious casserole you can prepare ahead of time.
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Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Total Time 1 hr 5 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Dish
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients:  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups Cooked Chicken
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas
  • 1 cup Diced Carrots
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs

Instructions: 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, frozen peas, diced carrots, milk, and cream of chicken soup.
  • Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
  • Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes:

This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to bake.

Nutrition value:

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Keywords:

Keyword Casserole, Make Ahead
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions

Make Ahead Instructions

  1. Prepare the casserole as directed but don't bake it.
  2. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
  3. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing Instructions

  1. Assemble the casserole without baking.
  2. Wrap the dish in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil.
  3. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
  4. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until heated through.

Using breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter before sprinkling on top creates an extra crispy topping for your casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ:
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas and diced carrots?
Yes, just make sure to cook them slightly before adding to the mixture.
How long can I store this casserole in the fridge?
It can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze this casserole for later use?
Absolutely, freeze it before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
Can I add other ingredients to this casserole?
Sure, feel free to add things like cooked bacon, mushrooms, or even broccoli.

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