Description
This Easy Crack Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and slightly sweet dish that’s incredibly addictive and simple to prepare. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks and will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) Chicken Thighs, bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Ground Cumin
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
- 200g (7 oz) Cream Cheese, softened
- 150g (5.3 oz) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 100g (3.5 oz) Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 240ml (1 cup) Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth
- 120ml (0.5 cup) Heavy Cream
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Large Onion (≈150g / 5 oz), finely diced
- 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt, to taste
- 150g (5 oz) Crackers (Ritz or Saltine), crushed
- 30g (2 tbsp) Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1 tbsp Lemon Zest
- 2 tbsp Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté diced onion in olive oil until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook briefly.
- Brown Chicken: Add seasoned chicken and brown on all sides.
- Deglaze & Simmer: Pour in broth, scraping up browned bits, and simmer briefly.
- Create Sauce: Whisk in cream and softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Melt Cheese: Add cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted.
- Season: Season with oregano, pepper, and salt.
- Assemble: Transfer to baking dish and spread evenly.
- Prepare Topping: Combine crushed crackers, melted butter, honey, and lemon zest.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle topping over casserole and bake until golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest & Garnish: Let rest and garnish with parsley.
Notes
For best results, use softened cream cheese and don’t overcook the chicken. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg