A chicken breast casserole is a type of recipe that combines chicken and other ingredients in a single dish that serves as both the cooking and serving vessel. In addition to the meat, such a casserole may include pasta, rice, cheese, and vegetables. Many chicken breast casserole recipes also call for some kind of sauce, which may consist of chicken broth, wine, gravy, or condensed soup. Raw chicken can be used when making a casserole, and many people also make this type of dish when to use up leftover cooked chicken. A chicken casserole is versatile, and a number of flavor combinations can be achieved, depending on the ingredients and seasonings used.
When making a chicken breast casserole, either raw or cooked chicken may be used. Using raw meat will require a longer cooking time. Whole chicken breasts can be used in this dish, but, in most recipes, the meat is shredded, chopped, or cut into strips. To give a casserole more flavor, the chicken is usually seasoned before being combined with the other ingredients.
Almost any combination of ingredients can be used when making chicken breast casserole. Many variations consist of meat, vegetables, a starch, and a sauce, combined together into one dish which is baked in an oven. The components of a chicken casserole can either be mixed together before baking, or layered in the baking dish, depending on the recipe.
The sauce is an important element of a chicken breast casserole. It adds flavor and binds together the other ingredients being used. The liquid from the sauce is also required to cook any uncooked pasta or rice that is used in a chicken casserole. Common ingredients used to make a sauce in this way include chicken broth, wine, gravy, and store-bought condensed soups.
Many chicken casserole recipes result in a dish that has elements of different cuisines from around the world. One example is a casserole that combines chicken, spicy enchilada sauce, and tortillas to create a Mexican-inspired dish. An Italian chicken parmesan casserole may contain chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Ingredients in a Chinese-style chicken casserole may include rice, soy sauce, and pea pods.
Spices and herbs are some of the most versatile ingredients in a chicken casserole. The dish may be seasoned with fresh or dried herbs, and can be seasoned to personal taste. After all ingredients are combined, a chicken breast casserole is baked in the oven. The cooking time generally depends on whether raw or cooked chicken was used, as well as the cooking requirements of the other ingredients.