Go Back

Chicken & Cabbage Casserole

A simple, comforting chicken and cabbage casserole made from scratch with tender chicken, fresh cabbage, and a creamy homemade cheese sauce, topped with buttery crackers and baked until golden and bubbly.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 chicken breasts, roasted or baked shredded
  • 6 cups cabbage shredded
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups milk
  • pinch cayenne
  • pinch nutmeg
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese
  • 1 stick butter
  • 2 sleeves Ritz crackers crushed
  • 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Cabbage

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shredded cabbage and boil for 3–5 minutes, until tender but still firm. Drain well. Place cabbage in a large bowl and add shredded chicken. Set aside.

    Make the Béchamel (White Sauce)

    In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Add chopped onion and cook slowly until tender. Add 1/4 cup flour and stir well to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent browning.
    Slowly add 4 cups milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Keep heat low. Once the sauce begins to bubble, it will thicken. Season with a pinch of cayenne, pinch of nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well. Add 1 cup cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

    Assemble the Casserole

    Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and cabbage mixture and stir until well combined. Transfer mixture to a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and spread evenly.

    Make the Topping

    Melt 1 stick butter in a medium bowl. Add crushed Ritz crackers and toss to coat. Sprinkle cracker mixture evenly over the casserole, then top with 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese.

    Bake

    Bake uncovered in a 350°F oven for 40–45 minutes. Check at 30 minutes to monitor browning. Remove from oven once the top is golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting, from-scratch chicken and cabbage casserole made with simple ingredients and real-life cooking in mind.