Company Chicken Casserole

 Company Chicken Casserole

 Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 sleeve buttery crackers (like Ritz), crushed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon paprika for garnish
• Optional: 1 cup cooked rice or egg noodles (to make it more filling)

 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
   Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Mix the creamy base
   In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
   Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Add chicken & cheese
   Fold in the cooked chicken and shredded cheddar cheese.
   If using rice or noodles, mix them in now.
4. Assemble the casserole
   Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. Prepare the topping
   In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter.
   Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
6. Bake
   Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden topping.
7. Finish & serve
   Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle paprika on top if desired.

 Serving Ideas

Serve with:

• A fresh green salad
• Steamed vegetables
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls

Tips

• Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time
• Add sautéed mushrooms or broccoli for extra flavor
• You can prepare it ahead and refrigerate before baking