Casseroles for Busy Night

Casseroles for Busy Night

Introduction

Casseroles are perfect for busy nights. They are easy to prepare, can feed a crowd, and make for great leftovers. Whether you are rushing home from work or just need a quick meal idea, casseroles offer comfort and satisfy the whole family. Today, we present you with two delicious casserole recipes: Crack Chicken Casserole and Chicken Pot Pie Casserole.

Why Make This Recipe

Making casseroles like Crack Chicken Casserole and Chicken Pot Pie Casserole saves you time and makes mealtime enjoyable. You can prepare these dishes with simple ingredients that are often already in your pantry. They are also versatile, allowing you to use whatever cooked chicken you have on hand, making them a great way to reduce waste and keep your meals exciting.

How to Make Casseroles for Busy Nights

Ingredients:

1. Crack Chicken Casserole

   • 1 1/2 cups of dry elbow macaroni
   • 3 tablespoons of butter
   • 1 small yellow onion, diced
   • 2 cups of sour cream
   • 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
   • 1 (10.5-ounce) can of cream of chicken soup, undiluted
   • 1/4 cup of milk or half-and-half
   • 1-ounce ranch dressing seasoning packet
   • 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
   • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
   • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
   • 3 cups of skinless boneless chicken breast, cooked and cubed
   • 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, divided in half
   • 16 slices of bacon, cooked and diced (1 1/2 cups once cooked)
   • 1 green onion, sliced thin

2. Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

   • 1 can Grands biscuits, 8 biscuits
   • 4 tablespoons butter, divided in half
   • 4 cups frozen vegetable mix (corn, peas, carrots, green beans)
   • 4 cups cooked chicken
   • 2 cups milk
   • 21 ounces cream of chicken soup (two 10.5-ounce cans)
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

1. Crack Chicken Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté the diced onion until translucent. In a large mixing bowl, combine macaroni, sour cream, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, ranch seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, chicken, and half of the cheddar cheese. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, and sprinkle the remaining cheese and diced bacon on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbling.

2. Chicken Pot Pie Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, and sauté the vegetable mix until tender. In a large bowl, mix together cooked chicken, milk, cream of chicken soup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Pour this mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with biscuit dough pieces and drizzle with the remaining melted butter. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

How to Serve Casseroles for Busy Nights

Serve these casseroles hot from the oven. They pair well with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables. You can also top the Crack Chicken Casserole with sliced green onions for added color and flavor.

How to Store Casseroles for Busy Nights

Allow the casseroles to cool completely before storing them. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casseroles before baking. Just be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Tips to Make Casseroles for Busy Nights

• You can use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep time.
• Feel free to add any extra veggies you like to the casseroles, such as spinach or bell peppers.
• Use leftover macaroni and cheese or any other pasta without cooking it again for a quicker meal.

Variation

You can switch out the chicken for cooked turkey or ham in these casseroles. You can also replace cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make these casseroles ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casseroles ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just bake them when you’re ready to eat.

2. Can I freeze these casseroles?
Absolutely! These casseroles can be frozen before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, be sure to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

3. What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can make a simple homemade cream of chicken soup or substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade white sauce if you prefer.

These casseroles are sure to make your busy nights more manageable and delicious!