Welcome to the only chicken casserole recipe you will ever need. If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food—a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight—you’ve found it. This recipe is a warm hug in a baking dish, a guaranteed family favorite that brings everyone to the table. It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious.
We’re combining tender shredded chicken with pasta, a luxuriously creamy sauce, and a golden, crunchy topping that provides the perfect texture in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare, but it’s our little secret that it comes together in a flash.
Why This is the Best Chicken Casserole Recipe
In a world of complicated dinners, this easy chicken casserole stands out. It’s designed to be stress-free without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
Incredibly Easy: Using pre-cooked chicken (like a rotisserie chicken!) makes prep work minimal. It’s a true mix-and-bake wonder.
Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items here. Just classic, wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Unbelievably Creamy & Cheesy: We use a combination of cream of chicken soup and sour cream for a foolproof, silky sauce, loaded with sharp cheddar cheese for that perfect gooey pull.
Perfectly Customizable: Think of this as your perfect base. You can easily add your favorite vegetables, switch up the cheese, or try different toppings.
A Make-Ahead Dream: This is the perfect dish to assemble ahead of time, making your weeknight dinner schedule even smoother.
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Casserole
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each component plays a key role in creating that signature creamy, comforting flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients are all you need for this delicious meal.
Cooked Chicken: The star of the show. Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. You can also use any leftover chicken or follow this simple shredded chicken recipe (coming soon).
Pasta: Egg noodles are classic, but any short pasta like rotini, penne, or macaroni works beautifully. They are perfect little vessels for catching the creamy sauce.
The Creamy Base: A can of condensed cream of chicken soup provides a savory, rich foundation, while sour cream adds a slight tang and extra creaminess.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is our top pick for its bold flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Grating your own cheese from a block is highly recommended for the best melt!
Aromatics: A simple mix of sautéed onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper builds the foundational flavor.
Vegetables: Frozen peas are an easy, classic addition that adds a pop of color and sweetness.
The Crunchy Topping: A simple mixture of Panko breadcrumbs and melted butter creates a perfectly golden and crispy topping that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy interior.
How to Make This Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Ready to create the ultimate comfort food? Let’s get started. Follow these simple steps for a perfect baked chicken casserole every time. This is where the magic happens!
FL Recipes
Chicken Casserole Recipe: The Ultimate Creamy & Cheesy Guide
This easy chicken casserole recipe is the ultimate weeknight comfort food! Made with tender shredded chicken, pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, it's a family-friendly meal that's ready in under an hour.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until just shy of al dente. Drain well and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and thawed peas to the bowl with the sauce. Stir gently until everything is well-coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce to set. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 550kcalProtein: 35gFat: 28gFiber: 3g
Notes
Don't Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta to al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Grate Your Own Cheese: For the best, creamiest melt, grate a block of sharp cheddar instead of buying pre-shredded. Time-Saver Tip: Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even faster!
While this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate it from great to absolutely unforgettable. Here’s how to ensure your casserole is perfect every single time.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your pasta until it’s just shy of al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven as it absorbs some of the sauce, and this prevents it from becoming mushy.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly. For the creamiest, gooiest results, always buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself.
Use Full-Fat Ingredients: For the richest flavor and creamiest texture, use full-fat sour cream and cheese. This isn’t the place to cut corners on creaminess!
Let It Rest: After pulling the casserole from the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set up slightly, making it easier to serve.
Taste and Adjust: Before pouring the mixture into the baking dish, give it a taste. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
Fun Variations & Substitutions
One of the best things about this baked chicken casserole recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these delicious variations.
Casserole Add-Ins
Swap the Veggies: Not a fan of peas? Try adding 1 to 1.5 cups of steamed broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, corn, or a frozen vegetable medley.
Add Rice: Instead of pasta, you can use 3 cups of cooked white or brown rice for a different texture.
Spice It Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
Topping Ideas
Cracker Topping: Crushed Ritz or butter crackers mixed with melted butter make a wonderfully savory and crunchy topping.
Potato Chip Crunch: For a salty, crunchy twist, top the casserole with crushed plain or cheddar-flavored potato chips.
Extra Cheesy: Mix in a 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese with the Panko for an extra layer of savory, cheesy flavor.
Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Substitute
If you prefer to make a from-scratch sauce, it’s easy! Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for one minute. Slowly whisk in 1.5 cups of chicken broth or milk until the mixture is smooth. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it has thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder to taste.
What to Serve with Chicken Casserole
This cheesy chicken casserole is a hearty meal all on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to round out the dinner.
This chicken casserole is a complete, satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
A Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness of the casserole perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a healthy and delicious element to the meal.
Garlic Bread: A classic for a reason! Use it to soak up every last bit of that delicious creamy sauce.
Steamed Green Beans: A quick and easy side that adds a fresh, vibrant crunch.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Instructions
This recipe is a lifesaver for meal preppers. Here’s how to prepare it in advance or store leftovers for later.
How to Make it Ahead
You can assemble the entire casserole (without the breadcrumb topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats, add the buttery Panko topping, and bake. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting from cold.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire baking dish back in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
Freezing Chicken Casserole
This casserole freezes beautifully! For best results, bake it in a freezer-safe dish and allow it to cool completely. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Yes! Assemble the casserole completely but do not add the breadcrumb topping. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, add the topping and bake as directed in the recipe, adding 5-10 minutes to the total cook time.
Absolutely. For best results, bake the casserole and let it cool completely. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly.
Any cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken. For a quick and easy shortcut, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice. You can also boil or bake two large chicken breasts and shred them.
For a from-scratch version, you can make a simple cream sauce. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour, and cook for one minute. Slowly whisk in 1.5 cups of milk or chicken broth until smooth, then simmer until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder to taste.
This casserole is very versatile! Steamed broccoli florets, corn, sautéed mushrooms, or a mix of carrots and celery are all excellent additions. Plan on adding about 1 to 1.5 cups of your favorite cooked vegetables to the mix.
More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this easy chicken casserole, you’re sure to love our other comforting family favorites. Be sure to check out our incredibly cozy chicken pot pie recipe (coming soon) or this guide for a perfect baked chicken dinner. This dish is comfort food at its absolute finest. We know you’ll love this simple yet satisfying meal as much as we do.
If you try this chicken casserole recipe, please leave a comment below to let us know how it turned out! We love hearing from you. For more delicious ideas, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
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