There’s a particular kind of magic that happens when simple ingredients unite in a hot oven, a magic that turns a regular Tuesday into something worth remembering.

This chicken casserole is that kind of alchemy, a creamy, comforting hug on a plate that asks for little effort but returns enormous satisfaction.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Each component here has a specific role, working together to create that perfect texture and flavor we’re after.

Gathering everything before you start is the first secret to a stress-free, delightful cooking experience.

• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (two 10.5-ounce cans): This is the convenient backbone of our sauce, providing an instantly rich and creamy base that thickens beautifully as it bakes.
• Sour Cream (1 cup / 240g): It introduces a subtle tang and luxurious richness that balances the savory soup, preventing the dish from feeling one-dimensional.
• Onion Powder & Garlic Powder (1½ teaspoons each): These dried heroes deliver concentrated, allium flavor that permeates the entire dish without any chopping required, a true weeknight win.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper (1 teaspoon each): The essential enhancers, they wake up all the other flavors and ensure your casserole tastes fully seasoned from the first bite to the last.
• Shredded Cooked Chicken (8 cups / about 1kg): The star of the show, providing hearty protein and substance; using pre-cooked chicken is the ultimate shortcut to a fulfilling meal.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided (2 cups / 225g): Sharp cheddar melts into the sauce for gooey depth, while a portion sprinkled on top creates that irresistible, golden-brown cheesy crust.
• Ritz Crackers (2 full sleeves, lightly crushed / 250g): When tossed with butter and baked, they transform into a gloriously buttery, crisp topping that offers a delightful contrast to the creamy filling.
• Melted Butter (4 tablespoons / 56g): It coats the cracker crumbs, helping them to brown and crisp up in the oven into that perfect, golden blanket.

The Heart of Home Cooking

Elly, I developed this recipe, often speaks of casseroles as edible diplomacy, a dish that negotiates peace between busy schedules and the deep need for a nourishing, homemade dinner.

It’s a forgiving formula, one that remembers your tired feet and your desire to gather everyone around the table, regardless of the chaos the day held.

How to make Chicken Casserole?

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Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C); this gives it plenty of time to reach the perfect, even temperature for baking.

Lightly spray a 13×9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with cooking spray, a simple step that guarantees an easy release and simpler clean-up later.

Step 2 – Build the Creamy Foundation

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cans of soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth, homogenous sauce.

Now, fold in 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar and all of your cooked chicken, ensuring every piece is lovingly coated in that creamy, cheesy mixture.

Step 3 – Assemble with Topping in Mind

Transfer the saucy chicken mixture into your waiting dish, spreading it into an even layer, then set it aside for just a moment.

In a medium bowl, gently stir the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened and clumping slightly.

Step 4 – Top and Bake to Perfection

Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs over the entire surface of the chicken filling, creating your future crunchy canopy.

Finish by scattering the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the crumbs, and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the filling is bubbling vigorously at the edges.

Step 5 – The Crucial Rest

Pull the casserole from the oven when the topping is a lovely light golden brown, and the sauce is bubbling with promise.

This is critical—let it rest on the stove for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken properly and saving everyone from a scalded tongue.

Choosing Your Chicken: A Guide to Shortcuts & Flavor

The “cooked chicken” directive is your passport to convenience, but your choice here can subtly steer the final flavor.

A store-bought rotisserie chicken is the undisputed champion of speed, offering juicy, seasoned meat you can shred in minutes.

For more control, poach boneless chicken breasts or thighs in a simple broth, or use leftovers from a Sunday roast.

If you have a few extra moments, browning shredded chicken in a skillet with a touch of butter adds a wonderful depth and texture.

Tips

These little pieces of advice are gathered from countless test batches, designed to make your result absolutely foolproof.

• Shred chicken in seconds by placing warm, cooked pieces in a bowl and using a hand mixer on medium speed; it’s oddly satisfying and incredibly efficient.
• Always shred your own cheese from a block for the topping, as the anti-caking agents in pre-shredded bags can prevent it from melting as smoothly and beautifully.
• For the crispiest topping possible, consider adding the buttered cracker crumbs just before the dish goes in the oven, especially if you assembled it ahead of time.
• Glass or ceramic dishes are ideal because they distribute heat gently, preventing the saucy edges from over-baking or becoming too hard.

Endless Possibilities: Variations to Make It Yours

The true beauty of this framework is its adaptability, its eager willingness to become whatever you need it to be on any given night.

Stir in a couple cups of partially steamed broccoli florets, thawed frozen peas, or a handful of fresh spinach for a veggie boost.

For a briny, bright kick, fold in a half-cup of chopped marinated artichoke hearts or oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes.

Make it heartier by adding two cups of cooked rice or pasta, though you might want to increase the sauce by half to compensate.

Feel free to play with the topping, too—try crushed potato chips, panko breadcrumbs, or even herb-flavored crackers for a different finish.

Navigating Leftovers and Advance Prep

This casserole is arguably even better the next day, its flavors having cozyied up together overnight in the fridge.

You can assemble the entire dish (minus the cracker topping) up to two days ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until baking time.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days, reheating portions in the oven to preserve the topping’s crunch.

For longer storage, freeze the baked or unbaked casserole in a foil pan; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating or baking as directed.

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Chicken Casserole Recipe

Author: Elly Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American Courses: Main Course

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 40 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins

Cooking Temp: 180  C Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 12 Calories: 420

Best Season: Winter, Fall

Description

This creamy chicken casserole is a comforting one-dish meal that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and a golden cheesy topping, it’s baked to perfection and guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

Servings

• 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 2 cups egg noodles (cooked according to package)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¹⁄₂ cup milk
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
• ¹⁄₂ tsp garlic powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp onion powder
• ¹⁄₄ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
• ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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2. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, cooked egg noodles, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, peas and carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
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3. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
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4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Add breadcrumbs if using.
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5. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
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6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Serving Size 1 serving

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 420kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 9g45%

Cholesterol 95mg32%

Sodium 780mg33%

Potassium 520mg15%

Total Carbohydrate 32g11%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 5g

Protein 28g57%

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Calcium 15 mg

Iron 10 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance; refrigerate and bake when ready.
• Gluten-free? Use gluten-free noodles and cream soup.
• Add veggies: Mushrooms, broccoli, or corn work great!

Keywords: chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, easy chicken dinner, comfort food, one-dish meal