Cornflake Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Cornflake chicken casserole is a classic dish that’s been gracing dinner tables for generations. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and crunchy, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, and even weeknight meals when you need something comforting and satisfying. This recipe combines tender chicken with a rich, cheesy sauce and a crispy cornflake topping. It’s simple to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is endlessly adaptable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this cornflake chicken casserole recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal prep time and simple cooking techniques. Even novice cooks can achieve delicious results.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** The combination of creamy chicken, cheesy sauce, and crunchy cornflake topping is a guaranteed hit with adults and children alike.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe with different vegetables, cheeses, or spices to suit your taste preferences.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** Cornflake chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in or when you need a dish to lift your spirits.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving, making it ideal for busy weeknights or potlucks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:
* **Chicken:** 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
* **Cream of Chicken Soup:** 2 cans (10.75 oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup. This forms the base of the creamy sauce.
* **Sour Cream:** 1 cup sour cream. Adds tanginess and creaminess to the sauce.
* **Shredded Cheese:** 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided. You can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend.
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted. Used to coat the cornflakes for a crispy topping.
* **Cornflakes:** 6 cups crushed cornflakes. Provides the signature crunchy topping.
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped. Adds flavor to the sauce.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Enhances the savory flavor of the dish.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the chicken and sauce.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Vegetables like broccoli florets, peas, carrots, or mushrooms; spices like paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious cornflake chicken casserole:
**1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking.
**2. Prepare the Chicken:**
* Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and is easy to eat.
* Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other spices like garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
**3. Sauté Onion and Garlic (Optional):**
* In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. This step adds a layer of flavor to the casserole. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
**4. Combine Sauce Ingredients:**
* In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of the shredded cheese, and the sautéed onion and garlic (if using). Mix well until everything is smooth and creamy. This forms the base of the casserole sauce.
**5. Assemble the Casserole:**
* Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the bowl with the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce mixture. Make sure all the chicken pieces are well-covered.
* Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly in the dish.
**6. Prepare the Cornflake Topping:**
* In a separate bowl, crush the cornflakes. You can use a food processor, a rolling pin, or simply crush them with your hands.
* Pour the melted butter over the crushed cornflakes and mix well until the cornflakes are evenly coated with butter. This ensures a crispy and golden-brown topping.
**7. Add the Topping and Cheese:**
* Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the chicken and sauce mixture in the baking dish. This adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
* Sprinkle the buttered cornflakes evenly over the cheese. Make sure the entire surface of the casserole is covered with cornflakes.
**8. Bake the Casserole:**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cornflake topping is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
**9. Let Rest and Serve:**
* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
* Serve hot and enjoy! You can serve the cornflake chicken casserole with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your cornflake chicken casserole:
* **Use Different Meats:** You can substitute the chicken with other meats like turkey, ham, or even ground beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables to the casserole for added nutrients and flavor. Broccoli, peas, carrots, green beans, and mushrooms are all great options. You can add them raw or lightly sauté them before adding them to the casserole.
* **Experiment with Cheese:** Try different types of cheese in the casserole, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the cornflake topping for extra flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Add some spice to the casserole by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
* **Use Different Soups:** Experiment with different types of condensed cream soups, such as cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or cream of broccoli. Each soup will impart a different flavor to the casserole.
* **Make it Lighter:** To make the casserole lighter, use low-fat cream of chicken soup, light sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also use whole wheat cornflakes for a healthier topping.
* **Add a Crunchy Topping:** If you don’t have cornflakes, you can use crushed crackers, potato chips, or even fried onions for a crunchy topping.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free cornflakes to make this casserole gluten-free.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Replace the chicken with cooked beans or lentils for a vegetarian version. You can also add extra vegetables to compensate for the lack of meat.
* **Add a Layer of Stuffing:** Before adding the cornflake topping, add a layer of cooked stuffing mix for a heartier casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Cornflake chicken casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Side Salad:** Serve with a fresh green salad or a Caesar salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious side dishes that complement the casserole.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with cornflake chicken casserole.
* **Rice:** Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a more substantial meal.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is a great accompaniment to soak up the creamy sauce.
* **Corn on the Cob:** A summer favorite, corn on the cob adds a touch of sweetness to the meal.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Warm dinner rolls are always a welcome addition to any casserole meal.
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover cornflake chicken casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warm.
* **Freeze:** You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
* Calories: 400-500 per serving
* Protein: 30-40g per serving
* Fat: 20-30g per serving
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g per serving
Cornflake Chicken Casserole Recipe
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-40 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 2 cans (10.75 oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
* 6 cups crushed cornflakes
* 1 medium onion, chopped (optional)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional add-ins: vegetables like broccoli florets, peas, carrots, or mushrooms; spices like paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder
**Equipment:**
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large bowl
* Skillet (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
3. If using, sauté the chopped onion in a skillet until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and the sautéed onion and garlic (if using).
5. Add the seasoned chicken to the bowl with the sauce and stir to coat.
6. Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7. In a separate bowl, crush the cornflakes and mix with the melted butter.
8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the chicken and sauce mixture.
9. Sprinkle the buttered cornflakes evenly over the cheese.
10. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cornflake topping is golden brown and crispy.
11. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious cornflake chicken casserole!
This classic dish is sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy, savory, and crunchy texture, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to create your own signature cornflake chicken casserole. Happy cooking!