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Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Cheesy Comfort Food

Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Cheesy Comfort Food

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 cups chicken cooked, cubed
  • 4 cups pasta cooked, drained
  • 3 tablespoons butter salted
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons flour all-purpose
  • 0.5 cup sour cream full fat
  • 1 cup milk whole
  • 3 cups cheese grated, divided
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes dried
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 9x13-Inch Baking Dish
  • large skillet
  • whisk
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Main Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
  3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 60 seconds to remove the raw flour taste.
  4. Gradually pour in the milk and sour cream, whisking constantly until the mixture becomes thick and smooth.
  5. Lower the heat and stir in 2.5 cups of the grated cheese until completely melted into the sauce.
  6. Fold the cooked chicken, pasta, and red pepper flakes into the cheese sauce until every piece is coated.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
  8. Top with the remaining cheese and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
  9. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the creamy sauce set.

Notes

For the best results, use a block of cheese and grate it yourself to ensure a perfectly smooth melt. You can assemble this dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge; just add 10 minutes to the total bake time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.