Description
This Super Easy Dump Meal is a comforting, creamy chicken and vegetable casserole that comes together with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Packed with hearty ingredients like chicken, mixed vegetables, potatoes, and a cheesy sour cream sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or anyone craving a simple one-dish dinner. The optional crunchy cracker topping adds a delightful golden crust to this classic American bake.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10 oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups frozen diced potatoes or hash browns
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Place Chicken: Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Sauce and Vegetables: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, frozen mixed vegetables, frozen diced potatoes or hash browns, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme if using. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Pour Mixture Over Chicken: Evenly pour the creamy vegetable and cheese mixture over the chicken in the baking dish, ensuring it covers the chicken completely.
- Add Optional Topping: If using, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crispy topping.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40–45 minutes to allow the chicken and vegetables to cook through.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil carefully and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden and crispy.
- Check Doneness and Rest: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- Feel free to customize by using any frozen vegetables you prefer or swapping the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for different flavors.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with firm tofu or a meat alternative and use vegetable cream soup.
- To reduce sodium, choose low-sodium canned soup and adjust salt accordingly.
- This dish reheats well and can be made ahead of time; simply cover and refrigerate before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
