Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 5 cups day-old bread (cut into cubes)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Creamy Sauce
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (or cooking cream)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
Optional Add-ins (highly recommended)
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Spinach
- Corn
- Olives
- Parsley
- Chili flakes
- Parmesan cheese
🥄 Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Frying pan
- Baking dish (glass or ceramic)
- Oven
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start with day-old bread. This is important because slightly dry bread absorbs sauce better and gives the casserole structure.
Cut the bread into medium cubes (not too small).
Spread them on a tray and toast in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes until slightly crispy.
This step helps prevent sogginess later.
If you skip this, the casserole may become too soft.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Mixture
If your chicken is not cooked yet:
- Boil or bake chicken breasts
- Season lightly with salt and pepper
- Shred or dice
Now heat olive oil or butter in a pan.
Add:
- Onions
- Garlic
Cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Add the chicken and spices:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Herbs
Stir well and cook for 5 minutes so the flavors combine.
Turn off heat and set aside.
Your kitchen should smell amazing already.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
This sauce is what makes everything rich and soft inside.
In a saucepan:
Melt butter → add flour → whisk for 1 minute
(This makes a roux, which thickens the sauce)
Slowly pour in:
- Milk
- Cream
- Chicken broth
Whisk continuously to avoid lumps.
Cook until slightly thick.
Turn off heat and add:
- Eggs (whisked)
- Half the cheese
Mix well.
Taste and adjust salt.
The sauce should be creamy, smooth, and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large bowl combine:
- Toasted bread cubes
- Chicken mixture
- Optional vegetables
- Half the cheese
Pour the creamy sauce over everything.
Gently mix until all the bread absorbs the sauce.
Let it sit for 3–5 minutes.
This resting time allows the bread to soak up flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Grease your baking dish with butter or oil.
Pour the mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
Top with:
- Remaining cheese
- Extra bread cubes (for crunch)
- Sprinkle of paprika
- Parmesan (optional)
This top layer creates that crispy golden crust you see in the picture.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at:
180°C (350°F) for 30–40 minutes
Until:
- Top is golden brown
- Cheese is melted
- Edges are bubbling
- Inside is set but still soft
If you want extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting.
This helps it hold its shape.
Cut into squares and serve warm.
The texture should be:
Crunchy top
Soft creamy middle
Juicy chicken
Melty cheese
Pure comfort.
🍽 Serving Ideas
This dish is already filling, but you can serve with:
- Green salad
- Yogurt sauce
- Roasted vegetables
- Tomato soup
- Garlic sauce
- Pickles
It’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
🔥 Pro Tips for Best Results
⭐ Use stale bread
Fresh bread becomes soggy. Slightly dry bread works best.
⭐ Don’t skip toasting
Toasting improves texture and flavor.
⭐ Add vegetables
They add freshness and color.
⭐ Let it rest
Cutting too early makes it fall apart.
⭐ Cheese matters
Mix mozzarella for stretch + cheddar for flavor.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
Fridge
Store covered for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze slices for up to 2 months.
Reheat
Oven: 10–15 minutes
Microwave: 2–3 minutes
Add a little milk before reheating to keep it moist.
🌿 Flavor Variations
Spicy Version
Add chili flakes + jalapeños + pepper jack cheese
Mediterranean
Add olives + feta + oregano + tomatoes
Mushroom Lovers
Add sautéed mushrooms + thyme
Turkey Version
Use leftover turkey instead of chicken
Vegetarian
Remove chicken and add spinach + mushrooms + zucchini
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Easy ingredients
✅ One dish meal
✅ Family friendly
✅ Perfect leftovers
✅ Crispy + creamy texture
✅ Cheap and filling
✅ Great for gatherings
✅ Comfort food level 100
Honestly, this is one of those recipes you make once… and then everyone asks for it again and again.