Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Loaded with tender chicken, gooey melted cheese, pasta or rice, and a creamy sauce, this one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable to suit your taste.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked shredded chickenelbow macaroni or cooked ricecream of chicken soup (or homemade white sauce)sour creamcheddar cheese (shredded)mozzarella cheese (shredded)garlic powdersaltblack pepperonion powderoptional veggies (peas, broccoli, or corn)butter (for greasing or topping)breadcrumbs (optional for crunchy topping)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta or rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Stir in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

Fold in optional vegetables if using.

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Top with remaining cheeses. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top if desired.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6–8 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Add cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor.
Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Use Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
To reheat the whole casserole, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Freeze baked casserole for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked chicken?
It’s best to use cooked chicken to ensure even cooking and food safety.

What pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini hold up well in casseroles.

Is cream of chicken soup necessary?
You can substitute with homemade white sauce or cream of mushroom soup.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until baking.

Do I need to cover it while baking?
No, bake uncovered to allow the top to brown and cheese to melt.

Can I skip the breadcrumbs?
Yes, they’re optional, but they add a nice crunch.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, omit the chicken and add more vegetables or plant-based protein.

Does it freeze well?
Yes, it’s a great freezer meal—just cool completely before wrapping and freezing.

Can I add spice?
Add red pepper flakes or diced green chilies for a kick.

Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely—cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or any melty cheese works great.

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Casserole is a creamy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for feeding the whole family with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving comfort or need a reliable go-to meal, this casserole delivers rich flavor, cheesy goodness, and endless flexibility.

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