Harvest Moon Chicken Casserole: An Unexpected Autumn Delight

As the leaves turn and there’s a chill in the air, I often find myself craving comfort foods that carry a hint of nostalgia. This recipe for Easy Fall Chicken Casserole is not your typical oven-bound meal; it’s inspired by the scent of pumpkin patches and the chaos of family dinners. I love how it transforms simple ingredients into a celebration of cozy autumn evenings.

This dish offers a warm, fragrant escape from the busyness of fall weekdays. It’s crafted to be both satisfying and effortless, perfect for those nights when time slips away faster than pumpkin spice lattes disappear. Plus, it’s a neat way to sneak in some wholesome veggies in disguise.

Easy Fall Chicken Casserole

This dish features tender shredded chicken mixed with a creamy pumpkin-spiced sauce, layered with vegetables and topped with a cheesy crust. It is baked until bubbly and golden, resulting in a hearty, comforting casserole with a smooth, textured filling and a golden crust on top.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded preferably from rotisserie or boiled
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup milk dairy or non-dairy
• 1 cup chopped mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 1 cup bread crumbs for topping
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

• Shredding Forks
• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish
• Cooking spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with pumpkin puree, milk, chopped vegetables, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until smooth and well integrated, creating a creamy filling.
3. Stir in the shredded cheese to the mixture, folding gently so it melts slightly into the filling, adding richness and gooey texture.
4. Pour the filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with the back of a spoon or spatula.
5. In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated, creating a crispy topping.
6. Sprinkle the buttery bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole, covering the filling completely.
7. Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes; then, serve hot, revealing a creamy, textured filling topped with crispy crumbs.

Every spoonful echoes autumn’s heartbeat—rich, familiar, and just a bit unexpected. This recipe is bound to leave everyone asking for seconds, cozy in the glow of your kitchen’s flickering light.