Spicy Southern Chicken Casserole: A Flavorful Comfort Food Recipe
This ultimate creamy comfort casserole features tender shredded chicken simmered with sautéed celery, onion, and a perfect jalapeño kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup diced yellow onion and celery mixture
- 2 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning, plus more for topping
- 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
- 1.5 cups shredded Cheddar Jack cheese, divided
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers (like Ritz)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion, celery, and jalapeño until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, and Cajun seasoning. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Step 3: Fold 1 cup of the shredded Cheddar Jack cheese into the chicken mixture. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula.
- Step 4: Prepare the topping by combining the crushed butter crackers with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and a light sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning. Scatter the topping evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Step 5: Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping is golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For optimal freshness, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze tightly wrapped single servings for quick future meals.
- To revive the buttery cracker topping, reheat individual servings loosely covered with foil in a 300°F (150°C) oven until piping hot, avoiding the microwave to prevent a soggy crust.
- Balance the richness and spice of this casserole by serving it alongside a crisp, tart side salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette or a quick batch of fresh, steamed green beans.
- For a deeper, smoky flavor profile without increasing the heat, swap out 1/2 teaspoon of the standard Cajun seasoning for smoked paprika before mixing the ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 485
- Sodium: 675mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Protein: 4g