Chicken casserole is the perfect comfort food—easy, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you want a meal the whole family will enjoy. With tender chicken and creamy goodness, this dish is as simple as it is delicious.
Why We Love This Chicken Casserole
Chicken casserole is a dish that never disappoints. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel right at home, whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a family gathering. Here’s why this chicken casserole is a favorite:
- Comforting and Hearty: There’s something about a creamy, baked casserole that feels like a warm hug. Tender chicken, rich flavors, and melted cheese come together to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is satisfying.
- Easy and Quick to Make: This chicken casserole is incredibly simple to put together, even for beginner cooks. With just a few ingredients, you can have a delicious, filling meal on the table in no time—perfect for busy days.
- Family-Friendly: No matter the age, everyone loves a good chicken casserole. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by even the pickiest eaters, making it a perfect choice for family dinners.
- Customizable: One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have in your pantry, making it a great way to clean out the fridge or try something new.
- Leftover Friendly: Not only does this chicken casserole taste amazing on the first night, but it also holds up well for leftovers. It’s just as delicious the next day, whether you’re reheating it for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Cooked chicken – Shredded or diced chicken for flavor and texture.
Cream of chicken soup – Adds a creamy base to the casserole.
Sour cream – Gives a tangy, creamy texture.
Shredded cheese – Cheddar or a cheese blend for creaminess and flavor.
Frozen peas – Adds color and a touch of sweetness.
Cooked pasta – Elbow macaroni or penne for a hearty base.
Garlic powder – Adds savory flavor.
Dried thyme – Gives a hint of earthy aroma.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bring your chicken casserole to life. The process is easy and quick, and before you know it, you’ll have a dish that’s both comforting and delicious.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
Mix the casserole: Combine chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheese, peas, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Add the pasta: Fold the cooked pasta into the chicken mixture.
Transfer to a baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch dish and pour in the mixture.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until golden.
Cool: Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
To make your chicken casserole even more delicious and easy, here are a few pro tips that will help elevate the dish and ensure it’s perfect every time.
Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or any other cooked chicken, this casserole is the perfect way to use it up. Not only does it save time, but it also adds extra flavor to your dish.
Mix up the cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to experiment! Try adding a mix of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a little Parmesan for added richness and a variety of textures. The more cheese, the better!
Add veggies for extra flavor: For a heartier casserole, feel free to add more vegetables. You can stir in chopped mushrooms, carrots, or even bell peppers. Not only will this add extra nutrition, but it’ll give the casserole a vibrant pop of color.
Boost the flavor with fresh herbs: While dried thyme works great, fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley can bring a fresh, aromatic touch to the casserole. Just sprinkle them on top after baking for added flavor and a beautiful finish.
Make it ahead of time: This chicken casserole is ideal for meal prep. You can assemble it a day ahead, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it into the oven for a quick dinner. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months and bake it when you’re ready.
Crispier topping: If you love a crispy topping, try adding a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with a little butter to the top before baking. It adds an irresistible crunch that complements the creamy filling.
Variations
One of the best things about chicken casserole is its versatility. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or what’s in your pantry. Here are a few variations to consider:
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: Add some extra nutrition by mixing in fresh or frozen broccoli. It pairs perfectly with the creamy chicken filling and adds a beautiful color contrast. Simply steam or blanch the broccoli before adding it to the casserole mixture.
Spicy Chicken Casserole: If you love a little heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give the casserole a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking for a bit of extra warmth.
Low-Carb Version: For a lower-carb alternative, skip the pasta and replace it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. The cauliflower rice absorbs the flavors of the casserole while keeping the dish light and healthy.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken casserole is hearty and satisfying on its own, but it’s always nice to pair it with a couple of simple sides to round out the meal.
Fresh Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes is a light and refreshing complement to the creamy casserole. A tangy vinaigrette can add a nice contrast to the richness of the dish.
Garlic Bread: For a comforting touch, serve your casserole with warm, buttery garlic bread. The crispy texture and savory flavor are perfect for dipping into the creamy filling.
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FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you perfect your chicken casserole:
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs give the casserole a richer flavor due to their higher fat content, chicken breasts work just as well. They’ll result in a slightly leaner casserole but still deliver great taste.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to get creative with your cheese choices! Cheddar is a classic, but you can also use mozzarella for a milder flavor, or even add a bit of Parmesan for a more savory, tangy kick.
Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Of course! This casserole is very versatile. You can add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or even mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture. Just make sure to cook the veggies beforehand so they’re tender when mixed into the casserole.
chicken casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese cheddar or a blend
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup cooked pasta elbow macaroni or penne
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Tip: Preheating ensures your casserole cooks evenly and comes out perfectly golden on top.
- Prepare the pasta. Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- Pro Tip: You can use leftover pasta for this step, which saves you time!
- Mix the casserole base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, frozen peas, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Tip: Make sure the soup and sour cream are fully incorporated so the casserole has that creamy texture throughout.
- Add the pasta. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the chicken mixture until everything is well mixed.
- Pro Tip: The pasta should be fully coated with the creamy mixture to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Transfer to a baking dish. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the chicken and pasta mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
- Tip: If you don’t have a 9×13-inch dish, a smaller casserole dish will work too, but you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.
- Bake the casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Pro Tip: If you like a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end of baking.
- Let it cool. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.