Chicken cornflake casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s also a family-friendly meal that’s easy to customize.
And don’t let the name fool you! With a few tweaks, this recipe can be adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs and preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and even keto diets.
The key components of a good chicken cornflake casserole are simple: tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and a crunchy, golden cornflake topping.
Key Ingredients for a Delicious Casserole
The Chicken: Choosing the Right Cut
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a classic choice for chicken cornflake casserole, though chicken thighs can also lend a richer, more savory flavor.
No matter which cut you choose, you can add flavor by browning the chicken pieces in a skillet before adding them to the casserole. Alternatively, you can boil the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
The Creamy Base: Building the Flavor
Most chicken cornflake casserole recipes rely on a can of cream of chicken soup as their creamy base. However, cream of mushroom soup can be a tasty substitute if you’re in the mood for something different. Sour cream or mayonnaise can also add richness to your dish.
The Crispy Cornflake Topping
The best part of chicken cornflake casserole is arguably the crunchy, buttery topping.
To make it, crush cornflakes and toss them with melted butter until evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cornflakes too much, or you’ll lose that satisfying crunch.
For an extra golden-brown color, pop the casserole under the broiler for a minute or two at the end. Just keep a close eye on it, so it doesn’t burn!
How to Make Chicken Cornflake Casserole
Here’s the basic process:
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with your soup and other ingredients.
- Pour that mixture into a casserole dish.
- Top it all with your cornflake topping.
- Bake until it’s heated through and the topping is golden brown.
The exact baking time may vary depending on how much chicken you use. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Customize your chicken cornflake casserole
Want to make this dish your own? Here are some ideas:
- Veggies: Add broccoli, mushrooms, celery, water chestnuts, or onions.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute tofu or beans for the chicken.
- Keto: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Flavor twist: Try using Honey Bunches of Oats instead of cornflakes or experiment with different cream soups.
In Closing
Chicken cornflake casserole is simple to make, and it tastes amazing. It’s a satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that’s perfect for a weeknight family dinner.
Once you get the hang of the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations. Adapt it to your own tastes and dietary needs.
Now, go ahead and try the recipe! And when you do, share your creation with your friends and family. Enjoy!