Made this last Christmas for a Christmas party

How to Create a Delightful Company Chicken Casserole for Your Christmas Party

Last Christmas, I decided to make a dish that not only warms the heart but also brings everyone at the table together. A chicken casserole is a quintessential comfort food, perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday festivities. This Company Chicken Casserole became the star of our Christmas party, and here's how you can recreate this crowd-pleaser for your next event.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (seasoned with salt and pepper to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (or similar buttery crackers)
• 1/8 cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same skillet, add the onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and aromatic.

4. Assemble the Casserole

• In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, frozen peas, corn, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth into an even layer.
• Place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the vegetable mixture.

5. Prepare the Topping

• In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers with melted butter until all pieces are well coated.
• Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the dish.

6. Bake the Casserole

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbling.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
• Garnish with chopped parsley for added color and flavor if desired.

Why This Casserole is a Must-Try:

This Company Chicken Casserole is more than just a meal; it's a delightful experience. The combination of creamy, cheesy filling with a crispy topping makes it irresistible. It's easy to prepare, making it perfect for a stress-free holiday meal that everyone can enjoy.

Tips for Perfect Casserole:

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated. Simply bake it the day of the party to save time.
• Variations: Feel free to substitute the vegetables with whatever you have on hand or prefer. Broccoli, carrots, or spinach also make great additions.

This recipe not only delivers on taste but also on convenience, making it a perfect dish for holiday gatherings or any time you need a satisfying and comforting meal.