The Easiest Chicken Crouton Casserole (The Ultimate 30-Minute Dinner!)
Hello, my friends! Let’s talk about those busy weeknights when you need a dinner that is fast, easy, and feels like a warm, comforting hug. For those exact moments, I present to you the undisputed champion of quick and cozy meals: this incredible Chicken Crouton Casserole. This is the recipe that saves the day when you’re short on time but craving big flavor.
Imagine tender, shredded chicken and soft, savory stuffing cubes all bathed in a rich, creamy, and utterly delicious sauce. It’s like the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner, all mixed together in one dish and ready in about 30 minutes! This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken, and it’s a guaranteed home run with both kids and adults. Get ready for your new go-to weeknight wonder!
Why This Casserole is a Weeknight Miracle
This recipe is a true family favorite, and it’s easy to see why.
- Incredibly Fast & Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and about 20 minutes to bake, this is one of the fastest casseroles you will ever make.
- The Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s creamy, savory, and has that wonderful, soft texture from the stuffing cubes. It’s the very definition of a comforting meal.
- Perfect for Using Leftovers: This is the best way to give leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken a delicious new life.
- One-Bowl Prep: All the ingredients get mixed together in a single bowl, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze.
The Simple, Hardworking Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of pantry staples to create its magical, comforting flavor.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) chicken broth
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 package (12 ounces) seasoned stuffing cubes (croutons)
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- Minced fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make This Super-Easy Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Get ready for the easiest instructions ever. It’s truly a mix, dump, and bake situation!
1. Mix Everything Together: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the chicken broth, the undiluted cream of chicken soup, the sour cream, and the melted butter. Whisk them together until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
2. Add the Chicken and Croutons: To the same bowl, add the seasoned stuffing cubes and the shredded cooked chicken. Use a large spoon or spatula to stir everything together until the chicken and croutons are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
3. Bake to Bubbly Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the edges are gently bubbling. If you like, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Absolute Best Casserole
- The Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: The fastest and most flavorful way to get your cooked chicken is to buy a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.
- Don’t Overbake: This casserole just needs to be heated through. All the ingredients are already cooked, so you’re just warming it and allowing the croutons to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Get Creative with Add-ins: This is a fantastic base recipe! Feel free to stir in a cup of frozen peas, corn, or steamed green beans for some added veggies.
- Make it Cheesy: For an extra layer of goodness, sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar or Colby cheese over the top before baking.
Chicken Crouton Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine the broth, soup, sour cream and butter.
- Stir in the stuffing croutons and shredded chicken until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer to a greased 13×9-in. baking dish and spread into an even layer.
- Bake, uncovered, until heated through and bubbly, 20-25 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Chicken Crouton Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking it from cold.
What should I serve with this?
This is a very hearty dish, so it pairs perfectly with something light and green. A simple side salad, steamed broccoli, or green beans would be fantastic.
Can I use a different kind of soup?
Absolutely. Condensed cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup would also work wonderfully in this recipe.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover any leftovers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.
Conclusion
This Chicken Crouton Casserole is a true comfort classic for a reason. It’s a warm, delicious, and incredibly easy meal that will bring the whole family to the table with smiles on their faces. I hope it becomes a staple in your busy-night dinner rotation!
