If you love comfort food but don’t always have fresh ingredients, this freeze-dried chicken casserole made with our Mountain House freeze-dried chicken is the perfect solution. Made with pantry staples, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you're preparing for emergencies, looking for a quick meal on a busy weeknight, or simply trying to use up your freeze-dried food supply, this recipe will not disappoint!
Why Use Freeze-Dried Chicken?
Freeze-dried chicken is an excellent pantry staple for several reasons:
- Long Shelf Life: It can last for years without refrigeration.
- Retains Nutrients and Flavor: Unlike canned chicken, freeze-dried chicken retains much of its original taste and texture once rehydrated.
- Convenient and Lightweight: Ideal for camping, prepping, or quick meal solutions.
- Reduces Waste: No need to worry about spoilage compared to fresh poultry.
Ingredients:
To make this flavorful casserole, you'll need the following:
- 2 cups Mountain House freeze-dried chicken (rehydrated according to package instructions)
- 1 cup EasyPrep Very Veggie freeze-dried vegetables (peas and corn)
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water with chicken bouillon)
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup Saratoga Farms freeze-dried shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for the topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Rehydrate the Freeze-Dried Ingredients – Follow the instructions to rehydrate the freeze-dried chicken, vegetables, and cheese. Drain any excess water.
- Prepare the Rice – In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, cover, and simmer until it's almost fully cooked (about 10 minutes). The rice should still have a slight bite, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Mix the Base – In a large mixing bowl, combine the rehydrated chicken, vegetables, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir until well incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole – Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Prepare the Topping – In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers) with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake – Place the dish in the oven to bake for 25–30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve – Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Variations and Additions:
- Make It Spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced green chilies for extra heat.
- More Protein – Stir in some cooked bacon bits or add another cup of shredded cheese for a richer flavor.
- Creamier Texture – Substitute heavy cream for milk if you want a more decadent dish.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit the topping altogether.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This freeze-dried chicken casserole is a game-changer because it’s simple to make, requires minimal fresh ingredients, and is packed with comfort-food flavors. Plus, it’s an excellent way to utilize your food storage in a tasty and satisfying way.
Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out! Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping, or enjoying a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Also, check out our ebook to learn more about preparing your family for anything!
