Hearty Chicken Bake
A hearty chicken bake layered with creamy mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 c. hot mashed potatoes ⓘ
- 8 oz. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 (2.8 oz.) can Durkee onions ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. cubed cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen mixed vegetables, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1/4 c. milk ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Durkee ground mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. Durkee garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. Durkee black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine mashed potatoes, half of the shredded Cheddar cheese, and half of the Durkee onions. Mix thoroughly.
- Spoon the potato mixture into a greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish, spreading it across the bottom and up the sides to form a shell.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked cubed chicken, thawed and drained mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, milk, Durkee ground mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the potato shell.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until heated through.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese and Durkee onions on top.
- Bake for an additional 3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream to the mashed potatoes. If you don’t have Durkee onions, crispy fried onions or even breadcrumbs can be used as a topping. To enhance the flavor, you can mix in some chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. This dish can also be customized with different vegetables or cheeses based on preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hearty Chicken Bake with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Hot Chicken Supreme for a comforting dinner spread. For added crunch, consider offering some crusty bread on the side. A drizzle of gravy can also elevate the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Hearty Chicken Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Chicken Bake contains roughly 618 calories, with 23g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (105% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 823mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time and reduce waste. Just ensure the chicken is well-cubed and properly mixed with the other ingredients to maintain even flavor throughout the dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken soup. Additionally, you can increase the amount of mixed vegetables to create a hearty vegetarian bake that everyone will enjoy.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper into the chicken and vegetable mixture. Alternatively, you could serve it with a spicy hot sauce on the side for those who like to customize their spice level.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).