Cheesy Baked Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and layers of melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection. This easy, family-friendly recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A rich, cheesy, and creamy dish that’s pure comfort food.
- Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week.
- Customizable with different add-ins like veggies or pasta.
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- Cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
- Cream of chicken soup (or homemade creamy sauce)
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and black pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Bread crumbs or crushed crackers (optional for topping)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- Prepare the chicken by shredding or cubing cooked chicken.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce mixture, stirring until well coated.
- Layer with cheese: Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella.
Step 3: Bake
- Add topping (optional): Sprinkle bread crumbs or crushed crackers for extra crunch.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Add buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles for a spicy twist.
- Vegetable Addition: Stir in broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace pasta with cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
- Mexican-Inspired: Use taco seasoning and add black beans and corn.
- Extra Crunchy Topping: Mix panko bread crumbs with melted butter before sprinkling on top.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe.
What’s the best pasta for this casserole?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni works best.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and bake when ready.
How do I make it extra creamy?
Add more sour cream or mix in some cream cheese.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gouda for different flavors.
What can I serve with this casserole?
A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well.
Can I make this dish without pasta?
Yes, use rice, quinoa, or roasted cauliflower instead.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Cover with foil while baking, removing it in the last 10 minutes for a golden top.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese, coconut milk, and a non-dairy sour cream alternative.
Is this casserole spicy?
No, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce for heat.
Conclusion
Cheesy Baked Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken. Easy to make and perfect for meal prep, this family-friendly dish is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Serve it warm and enjoy a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Print
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Baked Chicken Casserole is creamy, comforting, and packed with tender chicken and gooey melted cheese. A perfect dinner for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Mix chicken, soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
- Spread into the baking dish and top with cheese.
- Mix crackers with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Add cooked broccoli for a healthier twist.
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
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