*RECIPE* cheesy chicken casserole

Ingredients

• 1 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat, chilled)
• 1 cup Cream Cheese (softened to room temperature for easier mixing)
• 0.5 cup Heavy Cream (heavy whipping cream, chilled)
• 4 cups Cooked Chicken (finely chopped or shredded; about 2 lb raw chicken, cooked and lightly salted)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher salt, used to season the chicken before mixing)
• 0.75 cup Pork Rinds (crushed fine; provides crunchy topping)
• 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (pre‑grated, not fresh melty Parmesan)

Instructions

1. Make the Creamy Sauce

   In a large mixing bowl combine 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup softened cream cheese, and ½ cup heavy cream. Blend with a hand blender or whisk until completely smooth. If the cream cheese is stiff, warm the mixture gently (30 seconds in the microwave) to help it melt.

   Time: PT5M

2. Cook the Chicken (if not pre‑cooked)

   Season 2 lb raw chicken breasts or thighs with salt. Cook in an air fryer at 425°F for about 30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes, then shred or finely chop.

   Time: PT30M

   Temperature: 425°F

3. Finely Chop the Cooked Chicken

   Place the cooked chicken on a cutting board and use a knife to chop into very small pieces—about the size of canned tuna. Pack the pieces tightly to measure 4 cups.

   Time: PT5M

4. Combine Sauce and Chicken

   Add the 4 cups of chopped chicken to the creamy sauce. Stir thoroughly until every piece is coated.

   Time: PT5M

5. Prepare the Crunchy Topping

   In a small bowl, crush ¾ cup pork rinds until fine. Stir in 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 2 Tbsp melted unsalted butter, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and crumbly.

   Time: PT5M

6. Assemble the Casserole

   Pre‑heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease the 11 × 7‑inch casserole dish. Transfer the chicken‑and‑sauce mixture into the dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the pork‑rind topping over the surface, pressing lightly to adhere.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 375°F

7. Bake

   Place the casserole in the pre‑heated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden‑brown and the sauce is bubbling.

   Time: PT25M

   Temperature: 375°F

8. Cool Slightly and Serve

   Remove from oven and let sit 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly for cleaner slices.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

630

Protein

25 g

Carbohydrates

7 g

Fat

45 g

Fiber

0 g