Cooked chicken casserole with tomatoes is a delicious, hearty dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner. Start by layering uncooked rice, canned tomatoes, vegetables, and cubed chicken in a greased casserole dish. Pour marinara sauce and chicken broth over everything, then cover and bake. After baking, add cheese for a crispy topping. It's easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. If you want to find out more tips for perfecting your casserole, keep going!
History
Casseroles have been around since the 18th century, serving as a practical solution for easy, one-dish meals that could slowly cook in the oven.
Over time, the use of tomatoes became prominent, particularly in the 19th century with the rise of Italian-American cuisine. This versatile ingredient added flavor and depth, making casseroles even more appealing.
The rise of Italian-American cuisine in the 19th century popularized tomatoes, enhancing casseroles with rich flavor and depth.
By the mid-20th century, convenience foods like canned tomatoes and pre-cooked chicken made it simpler for busy families to whip up these hearty dishes.
Cooked chicken casseroles with tomatoes are now synonymous with comfort food, often enjoyed during family meals. The popularity of these recipes grew alongside the suburban lifestyle, where quick, delicious meals became essential for modern households, reflecting cherished home cooking traditions.
Recipe
This delicious cooked chicken casserole is a perfect comfort food that combines hearty ingredients into a single dish. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this casserole isn't only simple to prepare but also packed with flavors that will satisfy your family and friends.
By using cooked chicken, you can save time while still enjoying a wholesome meal that brings all the goodness of home cooking to your table. Additionally, open communication about feelings while cooking can create a positive atmosphere for everyone involved.
To make this dish even more versatile, feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables and spices. Whether you prefer a mix of peppers, broccoli, or spinach, the choice is yours! With the added richness of marinara sauce and the savory depth of chicken broth, this casserole is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Olive oil (for greasing the dish)
- Cheese (your choice, for topping)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F and grease a casserole dish with olive oil.
Begin by layering the uncooked rice at the bottom of the dish, followed by the canned tomatoes and your choice of vegetables. Add the cubed cooked chicken on top, then pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth to create a flavorful mixture.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. At the 30-minute mark, carefully stir the casserole to mix the ingredients, then bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
For a cheesy finish, sprinkle your preferred cheese on top and bake for another 5 minutes until melted and bubbly. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
Extra Tips:
When preparing your casserole, consider using different types of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend for a richer flavor.
You can also experiment with spices, such as Italian herbs or garlic powder, to enhance the taste. This dish can be made ahead of time; simply assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
For optimal storage, keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful cooked chicken casserole!
Cooking Steps
To get started, you'll want to preheat your oven to 375°F.
Next, mix the chicken with tomatoes and add your favorite seasonings, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish and finish by sprinkling cheese on top for a delicious finish.
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 375°F
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, which is essential for achieving even cooking and perfectly melted cheese on top of your chicken casserole.
Allow the oven to fully reach this temperature before placing your baking dish inside. This step is crucial to prevent undercooked ingredients. To ensure accuracy, use an oven thermometer, as oven temperatures can vary.
During the first part of cooking, cover your casserole with foil to retain moisture while it bakes. This will help keep the chicken juicy. Proper airflow around the casserole can also enhance cooking performance.
Remember to check that the internal temperature of the chicken is cooked to 165°F for safety. Adjust your cooking times as needed based on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces.
Happy cooking!
Step 2. Mix Chicken With Tomatoes
Begin by gathering your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and fresh or canned tomatoes. You can use cherry or heirloom tomatoes for extra moisture and sweetness.
Layer the chicken in a casserole dish, then evenly distribute the tomatoes on top. This ensures the tomatoes create a flavorful sauce as they cook in the oven.
Next, add minced garlic cloves to the mix for a burst of flavor. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the chicken and tomatoes, enhancing the overall taste.
Finally, bake the casserole uncovered at 350°F for about 45 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together while ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Enjoy your delicious chicken and tomato casserole!
Step 3. Add Seasonings and Stir Well
Sprinkle a generous blend of dried Italian herbs—like oregano, basil, and thyme—over the chicken and tomatoes to elevate the dish's flavor.
For an extra kick, add minced garlic or garlic powder, which complements the tomatoes beautifully. You'll want to season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste since ingredients like cheese or broth might already have sodium.
Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed, enhancing every bite. Once everything's combined, let the casserole sit for a few minutes; this allows the flavors to meld, making the chicken tender and the dish even more delicious.
Incorporating flavors from traditional Italian cuisine can take your casserole to the next level, making it a savory masterpiece that's sure to impress! With these new recipes from us, you're on your way to a savory masterpiece that's sure to impress!
Step 4. Pour Into a Baking Dish
Once you've seasoned your chicken and tomatoes, it's time to pour everything into a baking dish.
Start by preheating your oven to around 350°F to 425°F, depending on your recipe. Lightly grease your baking dish with oil to prevent sticking.
Next, layer uncooked rice at the bottom of the dish, creating a solid base for your easy chicken casserole. Spread the cooked chicken and tomatoes evenly over the rice, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Pour marinara sauce or diced tomatoes over the top, making sure all ingredients are well covered to retain moisture during baking. Additionally, this quick cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Finally, cover the dish with foil and place it in the oven, allowing the chicken and tomato flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5. Sprinkle Cheese on Top
As the casserole nears the end of its baking time, it's time to elevate the dish by adding your choice of cheese on top. Sprinkle it evenly across the casserole for a delicious, melty finish.
Popular options include an Italian blend, mozzarella, or sharp cheddar, each enhancing flavor and texture. For optimal melting, add the cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking, leaving the casserole uncovered in the oven.
If you're craving a crispy cheese topping, turn on the broiler for an extra 2-3 minutes after adding the cheese.
Once done, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes to let the cheese set slightly, making for an even more appealing presentation. Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, cooking a chicken casserole with tomatoes isn't just about convenience; it's an opportunity to create a delicious, wholesome meal that satisfies.
Using chicken breasts, fresh tomatoes, or marinara sauce, you enhance the flavor profile while ensuring moisture in every bite.
Baking your casserole in the oven at 350°F to 425°F allows it to cook thoroughly, resulting in a tender texture. Covering the dish with foil initially helps retain moisture, while uncovering it promotes that irresistible bubbly cheese topping.
Plus, any leftovers can easily go into the refrigerator for up to 4 days or be frozen for 2 months, making this dish ideal for meal prep.
Enjoy the ease and satisfaction of this hearty, nourishing casserole!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long to Cook Chicken Casserole in the Oven?
When cooking a chicken casserole in the oven, you'll typically want to bake it for about 1 hour at 350°F.
If you're using a higher temperature like 425°F, it'll take around 55 minutes.
Remember to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
If your recipe includes rice or other grains, stir it halfway through to ensure even cooking and check for doneness at the end.
Should I Cover My Chicken Casserole in the Oven?
Imagine you've prepared a hearty chicken casserole for a family gathering. Should you cover it in the oven?
Yes, covering it for the first 30-35 minutes retains moisture and ensures even cooking. It creates a steaming effect that helps everything cook through without drying out.
After that, uncover it for the last 5-10 minutes to achieve a deliciously crispy top.
Just remember to check the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety!
How Long Should a Casserole Be in the Oven?
When you're baking a casserole, the time can vary based on the ingredients. Typically, you should plan for about 30 to 45 minutes at a temperature between 350°F and 425°F.
If your casserole includes raw proteins, like chicken, it might take 45 to 60 minutes to ensure everything cooks thoroughly.
If you've got pre-cooked ingredients, you can usually cut the time down to 20 to 30 minutes.
Always check for doneness!
How Long to Cook Chicken in the Oven on 350?
Did you know that nearly 90% of Americans enjoy chicken as their primary protein source?
To cook chicken in the oven at 350°F, you'll want to allow about 25 to 30 minutes per pound. For chicken breasts, aim for 20 to 30 minutes, while bone-in pieces may take a bit longer, around 30 to 45 minutes.
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safety and perfect juiciness.
