Of course! “Company Chicken” is a classic casserole for a reason—it’s elegant, incredibly easy to make, and always impresses guests. It’s the perfect comfort food dish that’s worthy of a special occasion.
Here is the definitive, best-ever recipe for Company Chicken Casserole.
Company Chicken Casserole
This casserole features tender chicken and broccoli in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs and buttery crackers. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why It’s Called “Company Chicken”:
· Elegant Enough for Guests: The flavors feel sophisticated and special.
· Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it hours before your guests arrive.
· Foolproof: It’s incredibly difficult to mess up, so you can be stress-free.
· Universal Appeal: Almost everyone loves the combination of creamy chicken, cheese, and a crispy topping.
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base:
· 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken is perfect!)
· 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, blanched* or steamed until tender-crisp
· 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
· 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
· 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
· ½ cup mayonnaise
· ½ cup chicken broth
· 1 ½ tsp lemon juice (brightens all the flavors)
· ½ tsp garlic powder
· ½ tsp black pepper
· 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
For the Crispy Topping:
· 1 sleeve buttery round crackers (like Ritz), crushed (about 1 ½ cups crumbs)
· ¼ cup (½ stick) butter, melted
· 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
· 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
*To blanch broccoli: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 60-90 seconds until bright green. Immediately plunge into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well. This preserves its color and perfect texture.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Ensure your chicken is cooked and shredded, and your broccoli is blanched and well-drained.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a very large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, chicken broth, lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Fold the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy sauce mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 4: Create the Topping & Bake
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed crackers, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Serve hot alongside a simple green salad, rice, or egg noodles.
Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success:
· The Chicken: A store-bought rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut here and adds great flavor. You can also use boiled or baked chicken breasts or thighs.
· Avoid Soggy Broccoli: Blanching is key! It removes excess water and ensures your broccoli is perfectly tender without making the entire casserole watery.
· Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the casserole (through Step 3) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, add the topping, and bake. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
· Freezing Instructions: Assemble the casserole without the cracker topping and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the fresh topping, and bake as directed.
· Variations:
· Add Curry Powder: Add 1-2 tsp of curry powder to the sauce for a “Curry Company Chicken” twist.
· Different Veggies: Substitute broccoli with asparagus, mushrooms, or peas.
· Different Toppings: Use crushed cornflakes, French fried onions, or panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter for the topping.
Enjoy your delicious, foolproof meal that’s perfect for both a weeknight dinner and a special “company’s coming” occasion