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Fall Cozy Chicken Casserole

This chicken casserole features tender shredded chicken layered with caramelized onions, roasted herbs, and a smoky fall spice blend. Baked until bubbly with a crispy topping, it offers a hearty and comforting texture with a golden crust and rich, layered flavors.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups cooked shredded chicken preferably roasted or poached
  • 2 large onions thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fall spice blend such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice
  • 1 cup caramelized onions soft and sweet
  • 1 cup crispy bread crumbs for topping, can be toasted
  • 1 cup shredded cheese such as Gruyère or sharp cheddar
  • 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
  • to taste salt and black pepper

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • baking dish
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently, until they turn a deep golden brown and develop a caramelized aroma, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. While the onions cook, in a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the fall spice blend, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
  4. Add the caramelized onions and cream of mushroom soup to the bowl with chicken. Mix everything gently until well coated and evenly combined.
  5. Spread the chicken mixture evenly into a baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula for a neat layer.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top evenly, then add crispy bread crumbs for texture and crunch.
  7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown on top.
  8. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to settle and the crust to firm up.
  9. Slice into portions and serve while hot, revealing the melty cheese, crispy topping, and savory chicken filling.

Notes

Feel free to add chopped herbs or a drizzle of honey for extra fall-inspired flavor. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with roasted vegetables or hearty lentils.