Here’s the full recipe for Little Hen Casserole:
Ingredients:
- 6 cups mashed potatoes, homemade or store-bought
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1-2 (10.5 oz.) cans condensed cream of chicken soup, depending on desired creaminess
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Spread mashed potatoes into an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with shredded chicken.
- Pour the prepared “gravy” sauce over the chicken.
- Top with grated cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes | Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Now, for the 15 most popular questions and their answers related to this recipe:
- Can I use leftover mashed potatoes? Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for this recipe.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Absolutely! Feel free to use chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk? Yes, you can use low-fat milk, but keep in mind it may affect the creaminess of the dish.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- What can I serve with this casserole? This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.
- Can I add vegetables to this casserole? Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.
- How can I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy? You can add butter, sour cream, or cream cheese to the mashed potatoes for extra creaminess.
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can use any cheese you like, such as mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.
- Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.
- How can I make this casserole gluten-free? You can use gluten-free condensed cream of chicken soup and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts? Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option for this recipe.
- How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator? Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Can I use store-bought gravy instead of cream of chicken soup? While you can use store-bought gravy, it will result in a different flavor and texture compared to using cream of chicken soup.
- Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker? Yes, you can assemble
here are some secrets and tips to achieve the perfect Little Hen Casserole:
- Season the chicken well: Seasoning the chicken breasts before cooking them adds flavor to the entire dish. Use your favorite seasoning blend or a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Shred the chicken finely: Ensure the chicken breasts are cooked thoroughly and shredded finely for easy distribution throughout the casserole. This ensures each bite is flavorful and moist.
- Use homemade mashed potatoes: While store-bought mashed potatoes work fine, homemade mashed potatoes tend to have a richer flavor and creamier texture. Plus, you can control the ingredients and seasoning to your preference.
- Opt for full-fat ingredients: Using full-fat milk, cream of chicken soup, and sharp cheddar cheese adds richness and creaminess to the casserole, resulting in a more indulgent dish.
- Add fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme add a burst of flavor to the casserole. Consider using fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant taste.
- Preheat the oven: Make sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking the casserole. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a golden crust on top.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish: Spread the mashed potatoes, shredded chicken, and sauce evenly in the baking dish to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice and serve.
- Add a crispy topping: For added texture, consider sprinkling breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with melted butter on top of the casserole before baking. This creates a crispy, golden crust.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste the sauce before pouring it over the chicken and mashed potatoes. Adjust the seasoning as needed to ensure the flavors are balanced and to your liking.
- Add extra cheese: For cheese lovers, sprinkle extra grated cheddar cheese on top of the casserole before baking. This creates a gooey, cheesy layer that adds richness to the dish.
- Use a flavorful cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild for a stronger cheesy flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to customize the casserole by adding in your favorite vegetables, such as peas, carrots, or corn, for added color and nutrition.
- Garnish before serving: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of the casserole just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with a side salad: Balance out the richness of the casserole with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette. The acidity and crunch of the salad help cut through the richness of the dish.