Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy weeknight dinner? Look no further than this comforting ground chicken casserole! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and it's so versatile that you can easily customize it to your liking. It’s a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a surefire winner for both beginners and experienced cooks alike, offering a perfect blend of flavor and convenience. Prepare for a quick dinner idea that’s anything but ordinary!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Chicken and Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon. Once cooked through, drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground chicken mixture, cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheddar cheese, cooked rice, frozen mixed vegetables, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. If you want a nicely browned top, you can broil it for the last minute or two, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve hot. This hearty casserole is perfect on its own or served alongside a simple green salad.
Cooking Tips for the Best Ground Chicken Casserole:
- For extra flavor, sauté the onion and garlic in a little butter or olive oil before adding the ground chicken.
- If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can easily make your own creamy mushroom sauce using butter, flour, milk, and mushrooms.
- Feel free to substitute other vegetables for the mixed vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- For a cheesier casserole, add an extra 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: Replace the mixed vegetables with 2 cups of chopped broccoli florets.
- Mexican Chicken Casserole: Add 1 cup of diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup of black beans, 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder. Use Mexican blend cheese instead of cheddar.
- Creamy Tomato Chicken Casserole: Substitute cream of tomato soup for the cream of mushroom soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a typical serving provides roughly:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This easy ground chicken casserole recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy meals you can create without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It's a versatile recipe that you can adapt to your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy!