No-Peek Chicken Casserole
No-Peek Chicken Casserole is a warm, comforting, and easy-to-make one-dish meal featuring layers of tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, vegetables, and a golden cheesy topping. This casserole requires simple prep and baking, making it perfect for stress-free weeknight dinners with family-friendly flavors and versatile ingredient options.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breasts or thighs
Base Mixture
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack)
Vegetables
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups frozen or fresh vegetables (broccoli, peas, or green beans)
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (additional)
- 1/3 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook and shred your chicken if not pre-cooked. Methods can include roasting, boiling, or using leftover chicken. Aim for tender, bite-sized pieces that will absorb the casserole’s creamy sauce.
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom or chicken soup, sour cream or Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until fully blended to create the flavorful base.
- Layer the Ingredients: Grease a casserole dish. Layer the shredded chicken evenly on the bottom, then add your chosen vegetables on top. Pour the creamy base mixture evenly over all the ingredients without stirring, ensuring thorough coating.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the casserole. If desired, add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top to create a crunchy golden crust after baking.
- Bake and Don’t Peek: Cover the casserole dish with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden. Avoid opening the oven frequently to let flavors meld perfectly.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Do not stir layers after adding the sauce to maintain texture differences.
- Covering while baking keeps the casserole moist and prevents drying.
- Add fresh parsley or thyme before serving for a fresh flavor boost.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set for easier serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: No-Peek Chicken Casserole, easy chicken casserole, one-dish meal, family dinner, comforting casserole, make ahead casserole, chicken and vegetables bake