Best 3 Make Ahead Chicken Casserole Recipes
In the culinary world, chicken casserole is a classic dish that combines tender chicken, succulent vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, all baked to perfection in a comforting casserole dish. Making a chicken casserole ahead of time can be a lifesaver, allowing you to plan your meals in advance and save precious time during busy weekdays. This article presents a collection of delectable make-ahead chicken casserole recipes that cater to various dietary preferences, cooking skills, and time constraints. From creamy and cheesy casseroles to healthier versions packed with vegetables, these recipes promise to satisfy your cravings for a hearty and comforting meal that can be prepared in advance and enjoyed at your convenience.
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 ingredients in advance. Cook and shred the chicken, chop veggies, and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge until ready to assemble the casserole.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For added convenience, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Simply remove the meat from the bones and shred it. This is a great time-saver and adds delicious flavor to the casserole.
- Choose Your Veggies: Feel free to customize the vegetables in the casserole. Some popular options include broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, and peas. You can also add a cup of frozen corn or a can of drained black beans for extra texture and flavor.
- Make It Creamy: For a richer, creamier casserole, use a combination of cream of chicken soup and sour cream. You can also add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese for a cheesy variation.
- Season to Taste: Always taste the casserole before baking to adjust seasonings as needed. Add additional salt, pepper, garlic powder, or dried herbs until it reaches your desired flavor profile.
Conclusion:
This versatile make-ahead chicken casserole is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. With its simple ingredients, customizable variations, and freezer-friendly nature, it's the perfect dish to have on hand for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you prefer a creamy, cheesy, or veggie-packed casserole, this recipe has something for everyone. So next time you're looking for a convenient and delicious dinner option, give this make-ahead chicken casserole a try – you won't be disappointed!
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