A creamy, dreamy Chicken and Peas Creamy Casserole will take you on a delightful journey of flavors, textures, and aromas that dance in your mouth. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a velvety sauce with vibrant green peas adding a pop of color—this dish doesn’t just taste good; it looks good too!
Remember the last time you gathered around the dinner table with your loved ones? This casserole is perfect for those cozy evenings when laughter fills the air, and the aroma of comfort food wraps around you like a warm hug. It’s like bringing a piece of nostalgia back into your kitchen while keeping it fun!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken and Peas Creamy Casserole is super easy to whip up after a long day
- The rich flavors keep everyone coming back for seconds
- Its creamy texture makes it visually appealing on any dinner table
- Versatile enough for any occasion—from casual weeknight meals to festive gatherings!
I remember making this dish for my friends’ potluck; everyone couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 breasts for a hearty meal; they cook quickly and absorb flavors wonderfully.
- Fresh Peas: Opt for sweet green peas; they add a burst of freshness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the secret to richness; choose low-sodium versions for healthier options.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess; substituting Greek yogurt can be an excellent healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Onion Powder: A sprinkle elevates the dish’s savory notes; you can also use fresh onions if you prefer.
- Garlic Powder: For that aromatic kick that makes everything better—feel free to use fresh garlic if you’re feeling fancy!
- Cheddar Cheese: Shred your cheese fresh for maximum meltiness; sharp cheddar works best for added flavor.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: For that crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling; they add delightful texture.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). As it heats up, grab your favorite baking dish—trust me, this meal deserves something special.
Prepare the Chicken: While waiting for your oven to reach temperature, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear them in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown—about 5 minutes per side should do.
Create the Sauce Mix: In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, and half of the cheddar cheese until smooth. This mixture should smell heavenly.
Add in the Goodness: Fold in those vibrant peas along with your seared chicken—make sure every piece gets well coated in that luscious sauce.
Transfer and Top It Off!: Pour everything into your greased baking dish. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top along with remaining cheese so that it bakes into an irresistible crust.
Bake Until Golden Perfection!: Slide your dish into the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells like pure bliss!
Now you have an amazing Chicken and Peas Creamy Casserole that’s sure to impress!
Enjoy this delightful dish anytime you’re in need of comfort food—it’s versatile enough to pair wonderfully with salads or crusty bread!
You Must Know
- This Chicken and Peas Creamy Casserole combines comfort and convenience; it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights
- The blend of flavors creates a satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds
- Plus, it makes for fantastic leftovers, too!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create the perfect Chicken and Peas Creamy Casserole, sear the chicken first for flavor. While it cooks, prepare your vegetables and sauce to save time and ensure everything melds beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this casserole with ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, or even some spicy jalapeños if you want a kick. Switching up the cheese can also give it a whole new vibe.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring that it stays creamy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a perfect casserole, use fresh peas rather than frozen ones; they add a vibrant color and taste
- When mixing in the cream sauce, be sure not to overmix to keep everything tender
- Finally, let it rest before serving; the flavors deepen beautifully!
Sometimes I still remember how my friends devoured this casserole at our last potluck. Their smiles were priceless as they asked me for the recipe, which made my heart swell with joy!
FAQ
Can I use frozen peas in this Chicken and Peas Creamy Casserole?
Yes, frozen peas work well but may alter the texture slightly.
What alternative proteins can I use instead of chicken?
Feel free to substitute turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian twist!
How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
Simply replace regular flour with a gluten-free alternative or cornstarch for thickening!
Chicken and Peas Creamy Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Chicken and Peas Creamy Casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, sweet peas, and a luscious creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh peas
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, and half of the cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Fold in fresh peas and seared chicken until well coated in the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
